Icelandair to Relocate Operations to JFK’s New Terminal 6 in 2026

Icelandair has announced that it will move its operations to the new Terminal 6 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) when the facility opens in 2026. The relocation is part of JFK’s massive USD 19 billion redevelopment program, which aims to transform the airport into a world-class global gateway with modernized infrastructure, expanded capacity, and enhanced passenger experiences.

The new Terminal 6 is being developed through a partnership between JFK Millennium Partners and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Once completed, it will feature state-of-the-art technology, streamlined security and customs processing, and an array of upgraded retail, dining, and lounge options designed to rival leading international airports.

For Icelandair, the move to Terminal 6 represents a key step in its strategy to strengthen transatlantic connectivity and improve customer service for passengers traveling between the United States and Europe. The airline currently operates flights between Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport and several U.S. destinations, including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Seattle, with JFK serving as one of its most important North American hubs.

The new terminal will provide Icelandair with expanded gate access, improved operational efficiency, and greater convenience for passengers making international connections. The carrier expects the transition to further enhance its appeal among travelers seeking seamless connections between North America and Europe, particularly those using Reykjavik as a stopover point.

“We’re excited to be part of the next chapter in JFK’s history,” said an Icelandair spokesperson. “Terminal 6 will allow us to deliver a more modern, comfortable, and efficient experience for our customers while supporting our long-term growth in the U.S. market.”

Construction of Terminal 6 began in early 2023 and will be completed in two phases, with the first gates expected to open in 2026 and the full terminal operational by 2028. The 1.2-million-square-foot complex will include ten new gates capable of handling widebody aircraft, sustainable building designs, and advanced digital systems to improve airport flow and reduce congestion.

Icelandair’s move positions the airline among the first international carriers to operate from JFK’s new Terminal 6, underscoring its ongoing commitment to expanding service and enhancing the passenger journey across the Atlantic.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com