Qatar Airways to Open Dedicated Lounge at JFK International Airport
In exciting news for frequent flyers, Qatar Airways has announced plans to open its first-ever dedicated lounge in the United States. The lounge will be located at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and is set to open in 2026. This move comes after the airline was named World’s Best Airline 2025 by Skytrax, solidifying its reputation as a top airline in the industry.
The new lounge, spanning 15,000 square feet, will be located in the highly-anticipated New Terminal One at JFK, which is currently under construction. This state-of-the-art terminal, with a price tag of $19 billion, is set to be a major attraction at the airport’s south side. It is expected to feature a range of amenities that will make passengers wish for a longer layover.
One of the highlights of the new lounge will be VIP check-in, allowing passengers to bypass long queues and have a seamless travel experience. Other amenities will include prayer rooms, relaxation zones, children’s play areas, and premium dining options that go beyond the typical reheated airport meals. Duty-free shopping will also be available, adding to the overall luxurious experience.
The lounge will be exclusively accessible to Qatar Airways Business Class passengers, who will also have the added convenience of direct access to their gate without having to navigate through different terminals. This is all part of the airline’s goal to bring the same level of luxury and comfort found at their Hamad International Airport hub (regularly ranked as the world’s best) to JFK. With 18 weekly flights connecting JFK to over 170 global destinations via Doha, Qatar Airways is making a strong statement in the U. S. market.
For JFK, this is just another feather in the cap for the highly-anticipated New Terminal One. Once fully completed in 2030, the terminal will cover 2. 6 million square feet and feature 23 gates, making it a major competitor to the nearby LaGuardia Airport. Jennifer Aument, CEO of the terminal, describes it as “a new standard for international travel” with its modern design, spacious layout, and energy-efficient features such as solar panels.
Until the new lounge opens, Qatar Airways passengers will continue to use Terminal 8, the airline’s current home at JFK. However, come 2026, business-class travelers can look forward to a ground experience that matches the luxury and comfort of their in-flight experience. Whether it’s a glass of champagne, a designer shopping bag, or a quiet corner away from the airport chaos, passengers can expect an elevated travel experience.
It is evident that Qatar Airways is making a bold statement with this move, showing their commitment to providing top-notch service to their passengers. And for the bustling city of New York, this is yet another exciting addition to the ongoing development and improvements at JFK Airport.