Air China Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Air China flights operate from Terminal 1 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Air China JFK Terminal mainly connects to major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The terminal also offers flights to other popular Asian destinations, including Seoul and Tokyo. The airline has also announced a long-term partnership with the New Terminal One (NTO) at JFK, as it will start its operations from this new terminal in 2026.

Which Terminal is Air China at JFK Airport?

Air China flight operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport, including check-in, security screening, departure, and baggage claim, are handled in Terminal 1.

Air China Departures JFK

All the departure operations are managed at the upper level in the departure hall.

• Use Air China’s website or mobile to check in and get a digital boarding pass.
• The Air China check-in counters are typically situated in Zone H.
• Drop the checked baggage at the check-in counters and proceed to security screening.
• The TSA security checkpoint is located in the center of the terminal.

Air China Boarding Procedures at JFK

After a security check at the Air China departure terminal at JFK, travellers follow the signs or gate information screens to find their departure gate.

• Families traveling with young children under 2 years old and passengers who need special assistance are invited to board first.
• After that, Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus and Elite members, Premium Economy travelers, and finally Economy Class passengers board accordingly.

JFK Terminal for Air China Flights Arrival

Air China arrivals at JFK airport are handled at the lower level of Terminal 1.

• Move to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area before exiting the terminal.
• After clearing immigration, proceed to the JFK Airport Air China terminal baggage carousels on the arrivals level to pick up the checked luggage.

Air China Transit and Connection at JFK

• Passengers connecting to another Air China flight will remain in Terminal 1 and follow signs for International Transfers.
• If connecting to a different airline in another terminal, exit Terminal 1 through AirTrain.
• If bags are tagged through to the final destination, simply follow transfer signs after clearing required checks.
• If bags are not checked through, passengers must collect baggage at Terminal 1 baggage claim and re-check it with the next airline.

Air China terminal at JFK Parking 

Currently, the parking garage at Air China JFK Terminal 1 is no longer open because construction for the New Terminal One is underway. However, Air China passengers can use Red Garage at Terminal 8.

Air China Terminal JFK Map

The JFK map for Air China Terminal helps to find check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates, AirTrain, and amenities near the gate area.

Currently, the Air China JFK terminal is Terminal 1. But in early 2026, the airline will move its operation to the New Terminal One (NTO) along with other partner airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions