Air Canada will operate from John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new world-class Terminal 6 (T6) when it opens to passengers in New York in 2026, joining fellow Star Alliance partners Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ANA as future T6 airlines.
Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s US$19-billion transformation of JFK International Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Air Canada passengers can look forward to T6’s digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to all gates,100,000 square feet of NYC-inspired shopping, dining, lounges and amenities, curated public art, sustainable operating features, and a premium guest experience throughout the terminal.
Air Canada Express-Jazz currently operates two daily flights from Toronto and one daily flight from Montreal to JFK Terminal 7 using its highly rated Embraer E175 aircraft, with all flights pre-cleared for US. customs and immigration in Canada. The JFK service, which has been in place since March 2023, complements Air Canada’s existing operations at New York’s LaGuardia and Newark Airport, offering passengers a combined total of 36 daily flights between the New York market and Canada.
“We are thrilled that Air Canada has selected T6 as its future home at JFK, where passengers can expect a boutique, premium experience,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners, the company selected to build and operate the terminal. “This decision is also a testament to the close partnership we’ve built with Air Canada at T7, and we can’t wait to strengthen that partnership even further as we welcome Air Canada passengers to our new, state-of-the-art T6 facility.”
Air Canada executive VP Mark Galardo added, “New York is extremely popular for business, leisure and family travel for Canadians, and we are pleased to serve all the city’s major airports. Moving our operation to T6 will improve the airport experience for our customers and facilitate connections with our partners.”
Currently under construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 6 is being developed in two phases, with the first six gates opening in 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. Terminal 6 features include:
- 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft
- State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies
- One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones
- Multiple airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals lounge
- A new ground transportation centre
- A curated collection of New York City-inspired artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by the Public Art Fund in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
- Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy efficient systems and operating practices throughout the terminal
- Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision and SITES underway.
When complete, Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on JFK International Airport’s north side.
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