Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, is set to relocate its operations to the New Terminal One at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport when the facility opens in 2026, ushering in a new phase for the carrier at one of the United States’ busiest international hubs.

The New Terminal One forms a major part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport. This large-scale project includes the construction of two brand-new terminals, upgrades and expansions to two existing terminals, a modern ground transportation hub, and a redesigned roadway system to improve access and efficiency.

Currently, Saudia operates from JFK’s Terminal 1, providing nonstop flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. With the transition to the new terminal in 2026, the airline will benefit from increased capacity and a more advanced, passenger-focused environment that supports its growth across North America.

With access to key arrival and departure slots at JFK, Saudia plans to enhance its schedule by introducing additional flight timings and boosting frequencies on the Jeddah–New York route. This move will also improve connectivity, allowing travelers to reach 12 U.S. destinations through its codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines.

As Saudi Arabia gains recognition as a leading global travel destination, it continues to attract visitors with its mix of historic landmarks and modern attractions. Destinations such as the UNESCO-listed AlUla, the historic districts of Jeddah, and the scenic Red Sea coastline offer a wide range of cultural and natural experiences.

Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One at JFK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that the team is committed to delivering a world-class travel experience aligned with Saudia’s vision and looks forward to a long-term collaboration in New York.

Saudia will join more than 20 international carriers that have committed to operating from the New Terminal One. These include Air France, KLM, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines, Korean Air, EVA Air, Air Serbia, SAS, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air New Zealand, Royal Air Maroc, Air China, China Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, EGYPTAIR, China Eastern Airlines, Azores Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Viva Aerobus.

American Airlines has organized the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first black woman to receive a pilot's license in 1921. Her achievement has broken down the barriers of the aviation world and has paved the way for many Black woman to pursue a career in the aviation sector.

To honor her legacy, American Airlines welcomed Gigi Coleman, Bessie's great-niece, on a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Phoenix. The flight was operated by an all African-American crew, starting from the pilots, flight attendants to the cargo crew; even the aviation maintenance technician were Black.

African American women are significantly underrepresented in the airline industry, especially as pilots, and account for less than 1% in the commercial airline industry.

Through the American Airlines Cadet Academy, the airline is aims to expand awareness and increase access to the piloting career to diverse communities.