First Look: JFK International’s New Terminal 8, Set to Open Tomorrow

American Airlines and British Airways are set to welcome flyers to the new Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport tomorrow.

The terminal has been completely transformed as part of a $400 million joint investment by the two carriers. The project is a long time coming—the two first announced the plan in 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome our long-standing joint business partner, British Airways, as it joins American and other oneworld partners at Terminal 8,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. “As part of our investment to transform JFK into a leading global airport, we are excited to offer customers expanded terminal space, new check-in areas, and elegant lounges.”

Starting tomorrow, British Airways will be operating out of Terminal 8 instead of its old location at Terminal 7, joining other airlines in the oneworld Alliance, including Iberia, which plans to also move into Terminal 8 on Dec. 1, and Japan Airlines, which expects to do the same next May.

The investment in the terminal means a slate of upgrades, including five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system, along with 130,000 square feet of additional and refurbished space.

There’s also a new co-branded premium check-in area that offers concierge-style service, and three separate lounges after security—Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich, which will open to guests of both American and British.

The Chelsea Lounge will offer a circular champagne bar, luxury showers, and a la carte dining.

The Soho Lounge will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer airside views.

The Greenwich Lounge, which was formerly the American Flagship Lounge, will offer its own premium wine table.

“This inspiring expansion of Terminal 8, fostering superb hourly services between JFK and London, is an example of what’s to come at JFK, where our vision for a world-class, 21st-century airport is now unfolding from one end of the airport to the other,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said.

“Thanks to the investment made by American Airlines and British Airways, Terminal 8 — with five new wide-body gates — offers an improved passenger experience and expanded capacity for trans-Atlantic travel to and from JFK. This investment by our private partners at Terminal 8 is a vote of confidence in the future of the airport and the region.”