Saudia to join New Terminal One at JFK, expanding Saudi-US aviation links
The Saudi national carrier will relocate operations to JFK’s new $19 billion Terminal One from 2026, adding capacity and strengthening transatlantic connectivity.
The New Terminal One at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport has announced Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, as its newest airline partner, marking a significant step in the ongoing redevelopment of one of the United States’ busiest international gateways.
Under the agreement, Saudia will relocate its operations from the airport’s existing Terminal 1 to the new terminal when it opens in 2026, becoming part of a growing group of international airlines set to operate from the expanded facility.
The move is intended to provide the carrier with increased capacity and a modernised passenger environment designed to support its long-term expansion in the North American market.
Saudia currently operates direct services between New York and Saudi Arabia, including routes to Jeddah and Riyadh.
Following the transition to the new terminal, the airline is expected to introduce adjusted flight timings and higher frequencies on its key transatlantic services, enhancing connectivity between the United States and the Kingdom.
The airline also maintains onward connectivity through codeshare arrangements, extending access to multiple destinations across the US network.
The New Terminal One forms a central part of a wider $19 billion transformation programme at JFK Airport, which includes the construction of new terminals, the modernisation of existing facilities, and a redesigned ground transport system.
The terminal is being developed as a large-scale international facility featuring expanded gate capacity, upgraded passenger services, and a focus on premium retail and dining experiences.
Airport planners have described the project as a long-term effort to reposition JFK as a leading global aviation hub, with the new terminal designed to accommodate a broad range of international carriers.
Saudia joins more than 20 other airlines already committed to operating from the facility once it opens, reflecting strong global interest in the redevelopment.
The partnership also underscores the continued growth of aviation links between Saudi Arabia and the United States, with both countries expanding commercial and tourism connectivity in recent years.
The relocation is expected to support increased passenger volumes and streamline operations for Saudia’s New York services once the terminal becomes operational.
Under the agreement, Saudia will relocate its operations from the airport’s existing Terminal 1 to the new terminal when it opens in 2026, becoming part of a growing group of international airlines set to operate from the expanded facility.
The move is intended to provide the carrier with increased capacity and a modernised passenger environment designed to support its long-term expansion in the North American market.
Saudia currently operates direct services between New York and Saudi Arabia, including routes to Jeddah and Riyadh.
Following the transition to the new terminal, the airline is expected to introduce adjusted flight timings and higher frequencies on its key transatlantic services, enhancing connectivity between the United States and the Kingdom.
The airline also maintains onward connectivity through codeshare arrangements, extending access to multiple destinations across the US network.
The New Terminal One forms a central part of a wider $19 billion transformation programme at JFK Airport, which includes the construction of new terminals, the modernisation of existing facilities, and a redesigned ground transport system.
The terminal is being developed as a large-scale international facility featuring expanded gate capacity, upgraded passenger services, and a focus on premium retail and dining experiences.
Airport planners have described the project as a long-term effort to reposition JFK as a leading global aviation hub, with the new terminal designed to accommodate a broad range of international carriers.
Saudia joins more than 20 other airlines already committed to operating from the facility once it opens, reflecting strong global interest in the redevelopment.
The partnership also underscores the continued growth of aviation links between Saudi Arabia and the United States, with both countries expanding commercial and tourism connectivity in recent years.
The relocation is expected to support increased passenger volumes and streamline operations for Saudia’s New York services once the terminal becomes operational.
