Cathay Pacific and JFK Millennium Partners (the company selected by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build and operate Terminal 6) announced earlier this week that the Hong Kong based carrier will relocate to Terminal 6 when the first five gates open in early 2026.
As part of this move, Cathay Pacific will open a nearly 10,000 square foot lounge in the terminal. This lounge will be the airline’s first in New York, the carrier is currently located in Terminal 8 which is home to American Airlines and its OneWorld partners. While Cathay Pacific travelers have access to some fantastic lounges in Terminal 8, the new lounge will be the airline’s first dedicated lounge in New York and its second in the United States along with San Francisco International Airport.
When describing the lounge Cathay Pacific General Manager of Customer Experience and Design, Vivian Lo, said this:
“New York JFK is among the top locations in our global lounge strategy. We are truly excited by this opportunity to bring the signature Cathay Pacific lounge experience to our premium customers at this important port in our network. This new lounge will feature a number of exciting developments that will put it at the forefront of our lounge proposition, and we look forward to sharing more details with our customers at the appropriate time.”
Vivian Lo, General Manager, Customer Experience and Design
The press release also states that “Cathay Pacific customers can also look forward to Terminal 6’s digital-first, boutique guest experience, with a less than 5-minute average walk from the TSA security checkpoint exit to its gates.” It conveniently leaves out the amount of time you’ll need to clear security at any of the airport’s terminals.
When discussing the new partnership, Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners, had this to say:
“We are thrilled to partner with a world-renowned carrier like Cathay Pacific, who shares our vision and commitment to an outstanding guest experience. We can’t wait to welcome Cathay Pacific’s passengers to our world-class T6 facility, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners
Terminal 6 is part of the broader, $19 billion transformation of New York-JFK into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Cathay Pacific currently operates three daily flights between New York-JFK and Hong Kong utilizing Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. As of March 31st of this year, Cathay Pacific returned first class to the JFK-HKG route which should provide customers a truly premium experience from start to finish.
Summary
Cathay Pacific is leaving Terminal 8, which houses fellow OneWorld members American Airlines and British Airways, and relocating to Terminal 6 at New York-JFK in 2026. With the move, the airline is opening a 10,000 square foot lounge for premium passengers, its first in New York and second in the U.S.
While this change is a net-negative for connections with its OneWorld partners, Cathay has an amazing lounge product (I have to drag Mrs. ATX away from the ramen bar) and I’m excited to see what they do with their new space in Terminal 6 at JFK.