Icelandair to Operate from New Terminal 6 at New York-JFK Airport Starting in 2026
Icelandair has announced it will relocate its New York operations to the new Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), a facility set to open for passengers in 2026. With this decision, the airline becomes the fifteenth international carrier to confirm its presence in the project led by JFK Millennium Partners, joining JetBlue, Air Canada, Aer Lingus, ANA, Avianca, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Frontier, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, Norse, and SWISS.
A Historic Investment to Modernize JFK
T6 is part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation plan, which aims to turn JFK into a world-class gateway. The program includes the construction of two new terminals, the expansion and modernization of two others, a ground transportation center, and a completely redesigned road network.
JFK Millennium Partners CEO, Steve Thody, highlighted the significance of Icelandair joining the project: “Icelandair has been a long-standing partner in Terminal 7, and we are excited to write the next chapter together in the new T6. As a leading international airline, they share our commitment to sustainability and the passenger experience. We look forward to welcoming their customers from day one of operations.”
→ Icelandair Launches Direct Flights Between Reykjavik and Istanbul
What the New Terminal 6 Offers
Icelandair travelers will find a digital-first, boutique environment, with an average journey of less than five minutes from security check to the boarding gates. The terminal will feature 100,000 square feet of retail and dining spaces inspired by New York, exclusive lounges, commissioned public art, and sustainable design elements.
Key features include:
- 10 boarding gates, nine of which are capable of handling wide-body aircraft.
- State-of-the-art automated baggage, customs, and border control systems.
- One of the longest departure curbs at JFK, with airline-specific zones for passenger drop-off.
- Multiple lounges, including an arrivals lounge.
- Integrated ground transportation center.
- Artwork curated in collaboration with the Public Art Fund.
- Use of sustainable materials, rooftop solar power, and energy efficiency systems.
- Pending environmental certifications: LEED (Silver or Gold), Envision, and SITES.
The construction of T6 is being carried out in two phases: the first, with six operational gates in 2026, and full completion expected by 2028.
Strategic Connection with JetBlue
Icelandair operates up to two daily flights between New York and Reykjavik. Thanks to its strategic partnership with JetBlue, passengers will be able to make seamless connections between T6 and Terminal 5, which will be interconnected from the start of operations. This synergy will combine Icelandair’s transatlantic network with JetBlue’s extensive domestic coverage in the United States.
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