(NEW YORK) EGYPTAIR will move its New York operations from Terminal 4 to the New Terminal One at JFK under a long-term partnership, with the transition set to begin in 2026 as the next phase of the airport’s redevelopment comes online. The airline and the terminal’s leadership announced the agreement on August 25, 2025, confirming that EGYPTAIR will continue its daily nonstop service between JFK and Cairo during and after the move.
The shift places the Egyptian flag carrier inside a $9.5 billion terminal designed to handle large international traffic with more space, more gates, and modern amenities focused on speed and comfort. For families, students, business travelers, and diaspora communities flying between the United States and Egypt, the change promises a smoother journey anchored in a larger, newer space built for long-haul flights.
Project context and alignment with JFK redevelopment
The decision aligns with JFK’s broader transformation program led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which is investing $19 billion to remake one of the country’s busiest gateways.
- The New Terminal One is rising on the airport’s south side on the footprint of the current Terminal 1 and the former Terminals 2 and 3.
- The terminal will open in phases starting in 2026 and reach full build-out by 2030.
- Once complete, it will be JFK’s largest terminal: 23 gates, 2.6 million+ square feet, including 300,000+ square feet for shops, restaurants, and lounges.
- Design features like floor-to-ceiling windows, wider concourses, and upgraded technology aim to cut wait times and make international transfers easier.
Key facts and timeline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announcement date | August 25, 2025 |
| Transition window | Begins 2026 (phased openings) |
| Current base until switchover | Terminal 4 |
| Ongoing service level | Daily nonstop JFK–Cairo flights maintained |
| Terminal scale | 23 gates, 2.6M+ sq ft, 300k+ sq ft retail/dining/lounges |
| Full build-out target | 2030 |
| Program budget | Terminal $9.5 billion within $19 billion Port Authority plan |
According to the Port Authority, the terminal’s layout is designed to reduce congestion with wider security areas, more check-in space, and streamlined paths to customs and baggage claim. Large windows and open sightlines are intended to improve wayfinding compared with older facilities.
Airline and terminal leadership perspectives
EGYPTAIR framed the move as an investment in the passenger experience and deeper ties across the Atlantic.
“It’s not just about moving people from one place to another — it’s about connecting cultures, families, and experiences.” — Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman and CEO
New Terminal One executives echoed that focus. CEO Jennifer Aument highlighted EGYPTAIR’s customer service approach and said the airline’s plans match the terminal’s mission to deliver a best-in-class guest experience as the facility opens in stages.
Who else is committing to New Terminal One
EGYPTAIR will join a roster of global carriers already committed to the terminal, including:
– Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia
– SAS, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Royal Air Maroc
– Air China, China Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways
EGYPTAIR becomes the sixth Star Alliance member to sign on, strengthening alliance-to-alliance links and improving potential connections, lounge options, and coordinated services.
What travelers can expect in 2026
A newer, larger space built for long-haul travel should make trips feel easier. Key passenger-facing improvements include:
- More room at security and more holdroom seating near gates
- Expanded food, retail, and lounge offerings reflecting global traffic
- Modern equipment and roomier departure/arrival areas to cut lines and speed baggage delivery
- Easier wayfinding, more help desks, and more seating for families, seniors, and students
Practical notes for travelers:
1. For now, nothing changes — EGYPTAIR remains at Terminal 4 until the switchover begins.
2. Closer to 2026, the airline and JFK will publish step-by-step instructions (terminal maps, recommended arrival times, special lanes/facilities).
3. Because the terminal opens in phases, always confirm your departure terminal and gate in preflight emails.
Important: Book and plan as usual today, but watch for updates as construction milestones draw closer. Early travelers should build a small time cushion during the opening months.
Operational and alliance implications
Operationally, the move involves coordinated shifts of:
– Airline counters and self-service kiosks
– Security coordination and gate assignments
– Catering, baggage systems, ramp operations, and ground service equipment
Because of phased openings, the transition may occur in steps rather than all at once. The goal is a predictable move with minimal disruption and clear passenger communication.
Alliance and network effects:
– Co-location with other Star Alliance members can improve through-checking of bags, lounge access for eligible travelers, and shorter connection walks.
– Analysts view the move as a strategic upgrade that may support future U.S. growth (additional frequencies as demand increases and terminal space becomes available).
Airport-wide improvements tied to the program
The Port Authority’s program also addresses the surrounding airfield and roadways:
– New ground transportation center and simplified roadway network
– Improved curb access and clearer signage for arrivals and departures
– Phased improvements designed to reduce chokepoints for cars, buses, and rideshares
These changes aim to make the entire journey — from curb to gate — faster and less stressful.
Traveler checklist for 2026 trips
- Watch booking confirmations for terminal and gate updates.
- Bookmark the airport’s project page and the airline’s travel alerts page.
- Add a little extra time during the early months of New Terminal One operations.
EGYPTAIR has emphasized it will keep schedules steady through the shift; the daily nonstop to Cairo will continue uninterrupted.
Broader significance and next steps
The move underscores JFK’s effort to modernize capacity for international travel. Once New Terminal One is complete in 2030, it will be the airport’s largest terminal and a major hub for long-haul carriers and their passengers.
EGYPTAIR’s announcement reaffirms the airline’s long history linking New York and Cairo and its strategy to improve the ground experience to support steady growth. The carrier’s leadership ties the move to a larger mission: to connect people and stories, not just flights.
For official renderings, phase timelines, and construction updates, see the Port Authority’s project page:
Port Authority JFK Redevelopment – Terminal 1
EGYPTAIR will post customer guidance as the move approaches, including where to check in, how early to arrive, and what to expect at security and boarding inside the new facility once it opens to the public.
For now: the announcement date is August 25, 2025, phased opening begins in 2026, full completion targets 2030, and EGYPTAIR stays in Terminal 4 until the switchover starts. The carrier’s daily nonstop JFK–Cairo service continues throughout, and travelers should book as usual while monitoring updates ahead of the relocation.
This Article in a Nutshell
EGYPTAIR will shift from Terminal 4 to JFK’s New Terminal One in phased moves starting 2026, keeping daily nonstop JFK–Cairo flights; the $9.5 billion terminal (part of a $19 billion redevelopment) will add 23 gates, 2.6M+ sq ft, and expanded passenger amenities, with full completion by 2030.
