Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia and a member of Star Alliance, has announced a strategic partnership with the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, marking a significant step forward in air connectivity between the United States, Africa, and the wider global network.
The airline currently operates out of JFK’s Terminal 7 and will transition its New York operations to the New Terminal One when the facility opens its first gates in 2026. From the new terminal, Ethiopian Airlines will continue its service between New York and its hub in Addis Ababa, offering travellers one-stop access to destinations across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The announcement positions the New Terminal One as an increasingly important gateway for African aviation in North America. Ethiopian Airlines joins a growing roster of international carriers committed to the facility, including Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, EGYPTAIR and more than a dozen other global airlines.
A Terminal Built for the Next Generation of International Travel
The New Terminal One is a central pillar of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s “$19 billion transformation of JFK Airport” into a world-class international gateway. The broader JFK redevelopment programme includes two entirely new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and a fully redesigned roadway network.
The New Terminal One itself is being constructed on the sites previously occupied by Terminals 1, 2 and 3, anchoring JFK’s south side. Construction is progressing in phases, with the first phase — including new arrivals and departures halls and an initial 14 gates — targeted for completion in 2026. Full completion is scheduled for 2030, at which point the terminal will span “2.6 million square feet” and house 23 gates, making it the largest terminal at JFK and comparable in size to LaGuardia Airport’s two new terminals combined. The facility is targeting a top 5-star Skytrax rating.
What the Partnership Means
Jennifer Aument, Chief Executive Officer of the New Terminal One at JFK, described the partnership as a reinforcement of JFK’s strategic role on the global stage. “By partnering with one of Africa’s leading airlines and a key Star Alliance member, we are strengthening JFK’s role as a premier gateway to Africa and beyond, while delivering the modern, seamless experience travellers expect from a next generation international terminal,” she said.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew echoed the significance of the move for the carrier’s passengers. “Our customers will benefit from a world-class airport terminal experience that complements our award-winning service, while enhancing connectivity, convenience, and travel options between Addis Ababa, New York and our global network,” he said.
The New Terminal One is being delivered by a consortium led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico and Carlyle, with construction carried out entirely by union labour. The project carries firm commitments to local inclusion, with participation targets of 20% for minority-owned business enterprises, 10% for women-owned business enterprises, and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses with a deliberate emphasis on local firms.
For Africa’s travel and tourism sector, Ethiopian Airlines’ transition to the New Terminal One is more than an operational upgrade — it is a statement about the trajectory of Africa–U.S. air connectivity. As JFK evolves into a purpose-built international hub, the presence of Africa’s largest and most globally connected carrier at its flagship terminal raises the visibility and accessibility of African destinations for the millions of travellers passing through New York annually.
With Ethiopian Airlines serving more African destinations than any other carrier, its placement within a world-class terminal environment strengthens the entire ecosystem for diaspora travellers, business passengers, and the growing wave of international tourists choosing Africa as their next destination.
