New York – Air France is preparing a major new facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport that will stand out even among the airport’s expanding premium offerings. The carrier announced plans for a 29,000-square-foot lounge inside the still-under-construction Terminal One, a space that will replace the existing Terminal 1 building. The project forms part of a multibillion-dollar redevelopment aimed at modernizing one of the busiest gateways on the East Coast. ([1])
Scale and Design Details
The new lounge will occupy two levels and accommodate more than 400 passengers at once. That footprint makes it roughly three times larger than Air France’s current space in the aging Terminal 1 and positions it as the airline’s biggest club outside its Paris hub. Renderings released with the announcement show a clean white-and-navy palette consistent with recent Air France lounge updates elsewhere. The facility will include dedicated zones for dining, work, and relaxation. One area is reserved specifically for beauty treatments, while an exclusive section will offer meals prepared by a renowned French chef. These elements are intended to create a more complete experience for premium travelers before long-haul flights.
Who Can Access the Lounge
Entry will be restricted primarily to Air France and KLM passengers traveling in business class. Travelers booked in La Premier, the carrier’s top cabin on Boeing 777-300ER flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle, will also gain access. SkyTeam Elite Plus members flying on qualifying itineraries can enter as well, which includes Delta SkyMiles members at Gold Medallion status and higher. The rules align with Air France’s existing lounge policies but will apply to a significantly larger and more amenity-rich space. The airline operates about six daily roundtrips between JFK and Paris, making it the largest carrier slated for the new terminal.
Terminal One Timeline and Partners
Terminal One itself is now expected to open in the first quarter of 2027 after a delay from earlier projections. A spokesperson for the project said the shift allows more time to test systems and ensure a smooth launch. Air France’s commitment to the largest lounge in the building was described by new Terminal One CEO Jennifer Aument as a strong vote of confidence in the overall experience being created. Several other international carriers will share the facility, including Etihad, SAS, EVA Air, and Turkish Airlines. Qatar Airways is also moving from Terminal 8 and plans its own lounge, though that space will be roughly half the size of Air France’s. In total, the terminal is slated to house at least six lounges, including one for arriving passengers.
Booking Options for Travelers
Passengers interested in Air France flights can use miles from several major programs. Flying Blue, the airline’s loyalty program shared with KLM, accepts 1:1 transfers from American Express, Bilt Rewards, and Chase Ultimate Rewards. Delta SkyMiles can also be used directly because of the partnership between the two carriers. The lounge announcement arrives as airlines continue to invest in premium ground experiences at major U.S. hubs. For travelers on the New York-Paris route, the new facility will offer a noticeable upgrade once Terminal One begins operations.
