September 15, 2026 Team Contributor
Air France is preparing to move all its New York-JFK flights to the New Terminal One next year, bringing a more refined airport experience to one of its most important transatlantic markets. At the heart of the move will be a new 29,000-square-foot lounge, set to become the largest in Air France’s international network.
Spanning two levels, the lounge will accommodate more than 400 guests and bring together French gastronomy, fine wines, private spaces and areas dedicated to relaxation and work. The development comes as Air France continues to extend its presence in North America, where the airline has maintained a strong connection with travellers for decades.
For Canadians, the airline’s transatlantic operations have also occasionally intersected with unexpected travel disruptions. In May, an Air France flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to Montreal after U.S. authorities refused entry to a passenger under temporary Ebola-related travel measures.
Inside the new lounge
Designed as a showcase of French art de vivre, the new lounge will place gastronomy at the centre of the pre-flight experience.
Travellers will be able to dine in dedicated areas offering French-inspired cuisine before heading to a bar serving a carefully selected range of French wines and champagnes. Separate spaces will provide room to work, unwind or enjoy beauty treatments away from the bustle of the terminal.
Access will be available to La Première and eligible Business customers, Flying Blue Elite Plus members and qualifying travellers flying with KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines. Flying Blue Ultimate members will also have access to an exclusive private area.
La Première passengers will receive an even more elevated experience, with a dedicated dining space and a menu created especially for them by a renowned French chef. The offering is designed to extend the sense of personalised service beyond the aircraft itself.
A pre-flight experience before departure
For long-haul travellers, the new lounge is designed to transform the hours before departure into a comfortable experience of the journey.
Rather than simply providing a place to wait, the space will allow passengers to dine, work, relax and attend to personal needs before boarding. The wider New Terminal One will add another layer to the experience, with contemporary amenities, technology, retail and dining.
The result is intended to make the transition from city to aircraft feel smoother and more seamless, particularly for passengers embarking on a long transatlantic journey.
Important News for Canadian Travellers
New York remains one of Air France’s most important North American markets. During the summer season, the carrier operates up to 11 daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and New York, split between JFK and Newark airports.
At JFK alone, Air France operates up to six daily flights, including four Boeing 777-300ER services featuring its latest La Première cabin product. The airline also partners with Delta Air Lines on additional transatlantic services.
The investment further strengthens Air France’s decades-old commitment to the New York market, which the airline is celebrating with 80 years of service. It also follows other recent milestones, including the carrier’s celebration of 50 years on one of its longstanding routes.
With the move to New Terminal One set for next year, travellers flying through JFK can expect a significantly upgraded ground experience, led by a lounge designed to bring French elegance, dining and hospitality into the heart of the airport travel.
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