Port Authority Reimagines Newark Liberty International Airport

On Oct 18, 2024

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey yesterday unveiled its EWR Vision Plan, a wide-ranging blueprint setting the course for the Newark Liberty International Airport’s continued development over the coming decades to accommodate passenger growth with modern terminals on par with the Port Authority’s reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport, its historic $19 billion transformation at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty’s award-winning new Terminal A.

The EWR Vision Plan was developed in partnership with design firm Arup and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It represents a comprehensive plan for the future of the 96-year-old airport. Much of its current infrastructure dates to the 1970s, when terminals B and C and the original Terminal A were built. Today, the airport’s legacy infrastructure struggles to meet the needs of modern air travel. This is especially true as the airport’s passenger volume grows. A record 49 million passengers passed through the airport in 2023. Major recurring issues, including insufficient terminal capacity, congested roadways, and airside delays often lead to inefficient operations and a subpar passenger experience.

The vision plan pursues a phased approach, minimizing the impact on airport operations while fostering new business opportunities for the local community. The enhancements would also provide new opportunities for the Port Authority to advance the agency’s industry-leading sustainability efforts, furthering its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while assisting its operational partners in achieving the same goal.

The plan aimed to build on the success of the airport’s new Terminal A, the recipient of several industry accolades including its recognition as the best new airport terminal in the world by the preeminent global airport evaluation firm Skytrax. The plan also incorporates ongoing modernization projects at the airport, including the replacement of the airport’s AirTrain system with a state-of-the-art automated system and a new access point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station for underserved neighborhoods in the cities of Newark and Elizabeth.

Major elements of the EWR Vision Plan include:

• Terminal development:  The plan calls for building a new, world-class international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. The spacious, streamlined terminals would allow the airport to accommodate continued growth in passenger volume, while leaving space for further expansion as needed.
• Airside development: The plan envisions improving the airport’s operations with a more efficient and resilient taxiway network, while accommodating the industry trend toward larger aircraft. The new network would increase parking capacity and flexibility for aircraft, while creating redundancies to minimize delays during irregular operations. It incorporates additional deicing facilities, allowing aircraft to push off from gates more quickly. It would also include the industry’s latest safety standards, increasing straight taxiway segments and minimizing the need for crossings.
• Landside development: The blueprint looks to transform the airport’s vehicular and multi-modal access, prioritizing efficiency and convenience for all users. Alongside terminal buildings, frontages would be expanded to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimizing walking distances. AirTrain access would be simplified, while connectivity and amenities for cyclists, pedestrians, and service vehicles would be improved. The roadway network would also be streamlined to reduce decision points and separate major flows with independent circulation for each terminal.

The Port Authority expects to begin a two- to three-year planning process in 2025 for major elements of the redevelopment, including cost projections and project delivery alternatives.

“Newark Liberty Airport serves as the gateway for millions of passengers, offering them their first welcome to the great state of New Jersey,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The EWR Vision plan will solidify Newark Liberty’s status as a premier regional and international transportation hub. This transformation will not only enhance passenger service but also strengthen the airport’s role as a key economic driver for New Jersey and the surrounding region.”

“A modern, efficient, world-class Newark Liberty Airport is more than just a dream. We now have an actionable path forward thanks to this comprehensive vision plan,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As the blueprint shows, we’re ready to take a top-to-bottom look at everything from terminals to roadways to taxiways as we build EWR into a best-in-class global gateway and position it to continue serving as a vital economic engine for New Jersey and the region.”

“Newark’s Terminal A is an extraordinary terminal built for modern air travel, and we are thrilled to release the EWR Vision Plan, which lays out a blueprint to transform the airport to accommodate future growth and provide a 21st century travel experience at all of Newark Liberty’s facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We’re fortunate to build on many prior successes and lessons learned from the redevelopment of our other two major airports as we embark on this comprehensive reimagining of Newark Airport, prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and the modern, streamlined experience our customers expect.”

“The Vision Plan provides a roadmap to reimagine Newark Liberty International Airport as a world-class facility,” said Jacquelene McCarthy, Port Authority director of aviation redevelopment. “Our goal is to enhance passenger experiences, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that the airport reflects the culture and diversity of New Jersey.”

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