Air India to move JFK flights to Terminal 6 by 2028, adding Maharaja Lounge

Air India will shift its daily JFK-Delhi and JFK-Mumbai services from Terminal 4 to Terminal 6 by 2028. The move includes a 9,100-square-foot Maharaja Lounge and closer connections with Star Alliance carriers as the new terminal begins phased operations in 2026.

— Source publishedWed, 22 Jul, 2026, 17:27 IST·First seen Wed, 22 Jul, 2026, 17:43 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

Air India will move its daily JFK-Delhi and JFK-Mumbai operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 6 by 2028, adding easier Star Alliance connections and a

Key facts

  • 2028
  • Terminal 6
  • Terminal 4
  • 10 gates
  • nine widebody-capable gates
  • 2026
  • 9,100 square feet
  • daily non-stop flights

Why this matters

Terminal 6 creates an opening for Air India to deepen Star Alliance partnerships, secure premium hospitality collaborations and expand commercial ties around its JFK hub presence.

What to watch

  • Terminal 6 construction milestones, phased-opening dates and Air India's confirmed gate allocation.
  • Published Star Alliance carrier schedules and minimum connection times at Terminal 6.
  • Air India JFK load factors, premium-cabin yields and corporate-account wins after the move.
  • Announcements of additional JFK-India frequencies, new U.S. destinations or aircraft upgauges.
  • Maharaja Lounge access rules, capacity, operating partner and opening date.
  • Competitive responses from Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Delta and United on India-facing fares and schedules.
  • Align JFK flight banks with United and other Star Alliance partner departure waves.
  • Use the Maharaja Lounge opening to reprice premium cabins, paid upgrades and elite-status propositions.
  • Expand corporate sales targeting New York-area India-linked employers, financial firms and travel-management companies.
  • Add or upgauge U.S.-India service if premium demand and connecting traffic materially improve.
  • Build lounge access partnerships, co-branded card benefits and paid-entry products to monetize the facility beyond Air India premium passengers.