Colombian carrier Avianca joins growing list of airlines at JFK Terminal 6

A South American airline carrier has selected JFK Terminal 6 as its new home.

Avianca, Colombia’s national carrier and the second largest airline in South America, announced on Thursday, May 8, that it will begin operations in T6 once it opens in 2026. Until then, Avianca will continue its current operations at JFK Terminal 4 (T4).

Avianca is the 14th international carrier and first South American carrier to join a growing list of airlines set to make JFK T6 their future home at JFK Airport. The other airlines include Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa, SWISS Airlines, ANA, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Condor, Frontier, Kuwait Airways, and Norse.

jfk terminal 6 — A rendering of the arrivals plaza of JFK T6. Courtesy of the Port Authority

Avianca is one of the longest-operating airlines in the world. It currently offers up to 10 daily flights from T4 to over six destinations across Central and South America in its state-of-the-art Airbus A320 aircraft.

Airport travelers can anticipate a slew of state-of-the-art upgrades to the terminal when the first six gates open in 2026. Full construction completion is expected by 2028. It features 10 gates, nine of which can accommodate widebody aircraft, a state-of-the-art automated baggage system, and one of the longest departure curbs at JFK with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones.

Additional features include multiple airline lounges, a new ground transportation center, and sustainably sourced building materials, including rooftop solar power and LEED sustainability certifications.

Steve Thody, CEO of JFK Millennium Partners, said the design and development company for T6 is looking forward to Avianca’s future operations. “We are thrilled to welcome Avianca as our 14th T6 airline and the first South American carrier to operate from the new terminal in 2026,” Thody said. “Avianca shares T6’s commitment to accessibility and delivering a first-rate travel experience, where every passenger feels welcome and at ease. We can’t wait to welcome Avianca’s passengers to our boutique terminal and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”