JFK’s New Terminal 1 adds Mexican low-cost carrier service

A new international airline partnership at John F. Kennedy International Airport is set to expand nonstop travel options to Mexico while advancing a broader redevelopment of the airport’s south side.

The New Terminal One at JFK announced that Viva Aerobus, a Mexico-based low-cost carrier, will operate from the terminal with planned nonstop service to Mexico City and Monterrey. The addition marks the first Latin American airline partnership for the terminal, which is part of a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the airport.

Viva Aerobus, founded in 2006, is a budget airline that operates more than 130 routes across Mexico, the United States and Latin America. The airline focuses on low fares and high-frequency service, officials said.

Airport officials said the partnership reflects continued demand for cross-border travel between the New York region and Mexico, one of the busiest international markets from the United States.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Viva Aerobus to The New Terminal One family,” said Jennifer Aument, chief executive officer of the New Terminal One. “From the start, our vision has centered on creating a new benchmark for operational excellence and guest experience.”

Viva Aerobus CEO Juan Carlos Zuazua said the move expands the airline’s footprint in the U.S. and strengthens its presence in a key market.

“We are excited to launch our next chapter in New York at the New Terminal One and bring Viva Aerobus’s low fares and passenger-first service to even more travelers,” Zuazua said.

Viva Aerobus primarily connects other major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Miami with Mexico City, one of its central operating bases. Monterrey, another key hub, features routes to cities including Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas, while Guadalajara and Cancún provide additional service to Los Angeles and Houston depending on seasonal demand.

The network also extends to secondary U.S. markets, with cities such as Orlando and Denver linked to Mexico City.

What is JFK Terminal One?

The New Terminal One is scheduled to open its first gates in 2026 and is a central component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion redevelopment of JFK. The project includes new terminals, upgraded roadways and a redesigned ground transportation system aimed at improving traffic flow and passenger access.

At full buildout, the terminal will span 2.6 million square feet with 23 gates, making it the largest at JFK, officials said. The facility was designed with the goal of improving efficiency for airlines while offering updated amenities and technology for international travelers.

For more information about the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, click here.