Qatar Airways to Open First-Ever Airport Lounge in the United States
In a major move for its expansion strategy in the American market, Qatar Airways has announced plans to launch its first airport lounge in the United States. The 15,000 square-foot premium facility will be located in New York’s highly anticipated new Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, set to open in 2026.
The exclusive lounge will primarily cater to Qatar Airways Business Class passengers and will offer a range of luxurious amenities. These include premium dining experiences, relaxation zones, prayer rooms, VIP check-in services, and dedicated play areas for children.
According to Airport Industry News, the Doha-based airline, which has been operating at JFK since 2008, currently serves 11 U. S. destinations and sees over 3 million passengers annually on its 18 weekly flights. The launch of this new lounge is seen as a strategic enhancement to its growing presence in the American market.
Qatar Airways CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the World’s Best service at new Terminal One.
The lounge will offer direct boarding access, providing a seamless transition from relaxation to departure for travelers. Along with the opening of the lounge, Qatar Airways will also relocate its JFK operations from Terminal 8 to the new Terminal One building. Currently, Qatar Airways Business Class passengers have access to lounges through their Oneworld partner, American Airlines. However, this dedicated space will allow the airline to deliver its signature premium experience directly to its passengers.
This new lounge is just one aspect of the comprehensive $19 billion transformation project at JFK. Terminal One will boast an ultra-spacious design with abundant natural light and modern architecture. Once fully completed in 2030, the terminal will cover 2. 6 million square feet, equivalent to the combined size of New York-LaGuardia’s terminals, and feature 23 gates. The initial phase is set to launch in 2026, with 14 gates becoming operational.
With this exciting new development, Qatar Airways is set to further enhance the premium travel experience for its Business Class passengers in the United States.