Qatar Airways to open first US airport lounge at JFK in 2026

Qatar Airways is set to open a premium lounge at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City, marking the Middle East carrier’s first dedicated lounge in both New York and the United States. 

 

Scheduled to open in 2026, the dedicated space will cater exclusively to Qatar Airways’ Business Class travellers.

 

The lounge is being developed as part of the Qatar Airways’ planned relocation to the New Terminal One at JFK, where the airline will move its US operations in 2026. 

 

Spanning 15,000 square feet, the new lounge will provide passengers with direct access to the boarding gate and a host of upgraded amenities.

 

The facility will feature VIP check-in areas, private relaxation zones, dedicated prayer rooms, premium dining, children’s play areas and select duty-free shopping.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience.”

 

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Since launching operations at JFK in 2008, New York has become a vital hub for Qatar Airways, which now operates 18 weekly flights from the city as part of a US network spanning 11 cities and serving over 3 million passengers annually.

 

Through its hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways connects American travellers to more than 170 global destinations, making New York one of its most strategically significant gateways.

 

The US$19 billion New Terminal One is a central part of JFK’s redevelopment, aiming to improve the passenger experience through modern architecture, bright spaces and advanced technology.

 

Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has been named Best Airport by Skytrax multiple times, while Qatar Airways won the ’World’s Best Airline’ award from Skytrax for an unprecedented ninth time in 2025. 

 

The airline’s fleet of 54 Boeing 777 jets is equipped with complimentary, ultra-high-speed Starlink WiFi, while its fleet of Airbus A350s is poised to offer the service soon.

 

For more information, visit qatarairways.com