Ethiopian Airlines to Anchor New Terminal One at JFK, Boosting Africa-U.S. Connectivity — New Terminal One LLC

Event summary

Ethiopian Airlines will transition its New York operations to the New Terminal One at JFK when it opens in 2026.
The carrier will offer service from New York to its Addis Ababa hub, connecting to destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The New Terminal One is part of a $19 billion transformation of JFK, with full completion expected by 2030.
The terminal will feature 23 gates upon completion, making it the largest at JFK and nearly the size of LaGuardia's two new terminals combined.

The big picture

The partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the New Terminal One underscores JFK's strategic pivot toward enhancing transcontinental connectivity, particularly to Africa. As part of the Port Authority's $19 billion overhaul, the terminal aims to set a new standard for international travel, competing with other global gateways. The inclusion of Ethiopian Airlines, a key Star Alliance member, reinforces JFK's ambition to become a leading hub for intercontinental flights, aligning with broader trends in aviation infrastructure investment.

What we're watching

Network Expansion: How Ethiopian Airlines' move will affect JFK's role as a gateway to Africa and whether it can drive additional passenger traffic.
Operational Efficiency: The pace at which the New Terminal One can integrate multiple international carriers without compromising service quality.
Competitive Dynamics: Whether the New Terminal One can sustain its position as a premier international hub amid growing competition from other U.S. airports.