Newark Liberty International Airport
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Newark and Elizabeth , United States |
Area served | New York metropolitan area |
| Owner | Cities of Newark and Elizabeth (joint ownership) |
| Parent | Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (operational control) |
| Website | www |
Newark Liberty International Airport stands as a prominent international airport catering to the New York metropolitan area. Positioned along the boundary between Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, it is situated approximately 3 miles south of Newark's city center and about 15 miles west-southwest of Manhattan. This airport serves as a vital entry point for flights to Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Joint ownership is held by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth, while operational control is leased to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Within the New York airport network, it ranks second in passenger traffic, following John F. Kennedy International Airport and ahead of LaGuardia Airport.
Conveniently positioned near the Newark Airport Interchange, the airport offers access to key highways such as Interstate 95, Interstate 78, and U.S. Routes 1 and 9. Ground transit options include the AirTrain Newark, which connects the terminals to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. This station is served by NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line and North Jersey Coast Line, along with Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Keystone Service routes.
Originally established by Newark in 1928 on a reclaimed marshland spanning 300 acres, the airport was utilized by the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. After the Port Authority assumed management in 1948, significant developments were made including an instrument-equipped runway, a terminal building, a control tower, and a cargo facility. The historic Building One, completed in 1935, gained recognition with its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
In 2022, Newark Liberty accommodated 43.4 million travelers, ranking as the 13th busiest airport in the United States and 23rd globally; passenger numbers reached a record high of 49.1 million in 2023. Hosting operations for 50 airlines, it serves as United Airlines’ largest hub by available seat miles, with United accounting for nearly 63% of total passenger volume. Both United and FedEx Express—the airport’s second-largest occupant—operate within three facilities covering approximately 2 million square feet.
History
During the 1920s, two airfields operated in Newark, New Jersey: Heller Field (established in 1919) and Hadley Field (opened in 1924), both supporting the United States airmail service. By May 1921, all air mail activities were centralized at Hadley Field, which by 1927 also serviced four commercial airlines. However, the U.S. Postal Service desired an airfield closer to New York City. By that year, various national and local stakeholders—including Newark’s mayor Thomas Raymond—advocated for constructing a new airport within Newark.
On August 3, 1927, Mayor Raymond authorized plans for this new facility; construction commenced on April 1, 1928, with an estimated budget of $6 million (). The project involved reclaiming roughly 300 acres adjacent to US Route 1 and Port Newark, raising the land to about eight feet above sea level to mitigate flooding risks. The site featured a single runway measuring approximately one mile in length.
Officially opening on October 1, 1928 as Newark Metropolitan Airport, it was recognized as the first major airport serving the New York metropolitan area, the nation’s first commercial airport, and the earliest with a paved runway. Canadian Colonial Airways became its first tenant by signing a lease in April 1928.
In 1930, Newark introduced the country’s inaugural air traffic control tower alongside a weather station. The Art Deco-style Administration Building was completed in 1934 featuring murals by artist Arshile Gorky, and was formally dedicated by aviator Amelia Earhart in 1935 as America’s first passenger terminal. This facility remained in use until replaced by the North Terminal in 1953. Additionally, Newark was pioneering in permitting nighttime flights after installing runway lighting in 1952.
Between 1937 and 1938, construction of the Brewster Hangar resulted in one of the era’s most advanced hangars; it was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and currently functions as both a museum and headquarters for Port Authority Police.
Despite these advancements, some critics pointed out design shortcomings such as inadequate separation between arriving and departing passengers and limited capacity for expansion. Nevertheless, Newark initially held the title of busiest commercial airport. Leading carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and TWA signed decade-long leases ending in 1938; after that period they operated on month-to-month agreements until December 1939 when LaGuardia Airport opened. By mid-1940 all passenger airlines had relocated from Newark, ending its status as the world’s busiest airport.
World War II
Following the United States' entry into World War II in late 1941, commercial airline operations were suspended as the United States Army assumed control over aviation activities for logistical purposes. By 1939, thousands of fighter aircraft were transported to Newark Airport, where they were partially disassembled before being shipped overseas through Port Newark. The air technical service command based at Newark managed an average of 40 flights daily, handling approximately 50,000 pounds of air cargo. Throughout the war, more than 51,000 planes were dispatched from Newark, predominantly supporting the European theater.
To address the escalating demand for overseas supplies, the Atlantic Overseas Air Service Command was established on 1 October 1943 with its headquarters located in Newark. This command oversaw the movement of Air Corps cargo via ports along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, thereby improving logistical efficiency for the Air Force.
In 1945, German aircraft captured in Europe under Operation Lusty were unloaded at Newark before being transported by air or sea to evaluation centers such as Freeman Field in Indiana and Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.
Reopened
Commercial airline operations resumed at Newark in February 1946 when the airport reopened for public use. In 1948, operational control was transferred to the Port of New York Authority (now known as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey) through a city lease. The authority invested substantially in airport infrastructure, including constructing new hangars, a terminal building, and runway 4/22.
Between December 1951 and February 1952, three major aviation accidents near Newark resulted in over 90 fatalities, raising significant safety concerns and leading to a temporary airport closure. During this period, much of the air traffic was redirected to Idlewild (currently John F. Kennedy International Airport) and LaGuardia Airports, which offered safer approaches over water. Newark remained closed until November 1952 after implementing revised flight routes designed to steer aircraft away from densely populated areas such as Elizabeth. Additionally, local resistance prevented the Port Authority from developing a new airport site that is now preserved as the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Throughout the early 1970s, Newark operated with a single terminal located near what is now Interstate 78. A new air traffic control tower was inaugurated in 1960, and by 1965 terminal gate capacity expanded from 26 to 32. Beginning in 1967, a $200 million expansion project commenced to add three additional terminals. The facility was renamed Newark International Airport in 1973; Terminal B (previously Terminal A) opened that year. Although Terminal C’s main structure was completed around this time, it did not become fully operational until the mid-1980s when it began servicing international arrivals and People Express flights. Terminal C officially opened in June 1988.
After experiencing underutilization during the 1970s, Newark underwent significant growth throughout the 1980s. People Express established its North Terminal hub and corporate headquarters there in 1981, rapidly boosting passenger traffic. In 1984, Virgin Atlantic launched service between Newark and London, challenging JFK Airport’s dominance in international travel. FedEx Express also inaugurated its second hub at Newark in 1986.
Following People Express’s merger with Continental Airlines in 1987, operations at the North Terminal declined sharply and the structure was demolished by early 1997 to make way for cargo facilities. This merger signaled Continental’s—and subsequently United Airlines'—dominant presence at Newark.
On July 22, 1981, a fire involving an ethylene oxide tank car at nearby Port Newark necessitated evacuating an area within a one-mile radius that included the North Terminal.
In late 1996, Newark introduced a monorail system connecting terminals with parking areas and rental car facilities. This transit system was expanded in 2001 to integrate with Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line via the newly constructed Newark Airport train station and was renamed AirTrain Newark.
21st century
In 2000, the Port Authority undertook the relocation of the historic Building 51, which was subsequently renamed Building One. This structure, weighing more than , was hydraulically elevated, mounted on dollies, and transported approximately . It currently accommodates the airport's administrative headquarters.
September 11 attacks
After the hijacking and crash of United Airlines Flight 93 during the 2001 September 11 attacks, the airport’s name was changed from Newark International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport in 2002. This renaming pays tribute to the victims of the attacks and references the nearby Statue of Liberty, situated about 4 miles east.
On September 10, 2021, a new memorial dedicated to 9/11 was unveiled at Building One, featuring a steel base plate that includes a fragment from an exterior column of the South Tower of the former World Trade Center (1973–2001).
International traffic expansion
In October 2015, Singapore Airlines announced its intention to resume nonstop flights between Newark and its hub at Changi Airport, a service that had ceased in November 2013. The airline chose the Airbus A350-900ULR for this route, with operations recommencing on October 11, 2018, restoring Newark Liberty as the departure point for what was then the world’s longest nonstop flight.
Continental Airlines (which merged with United Airlines in 2010) broadened its international network from Newark beginning in 2001 by adding routes to Hong Kong, followed by Beijing, Delhi, and Mumbai. In 2009, Continental introduced nonstop flights to Shanghai–Pudong utilizing Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Additionally, Newark was the only New York area airport served by Philippine Airlines until financial difficulties led to discontinuation in the late 1990s.
To alleviate congestion, flight operation limits capping movements at 81 per hour were implemented between June 2008 and 2009. Following this, the FAA launched a seven-year initiative aimed at reducing delays across airports in New York and their surrounding airspace.
Newark functions as a primary hub for United Airlines, which operates its Global Gateway from Terminal C after a major expansion that included adding a third concourse and modernizing Federal Inspection Services facilities. United further invested $25 million in opening a new 132,000 square-foot hangar in 2014 dedicated to wide-body aircraft maintenance. In 2015, United announced plans to withdraw from JFK Airport and consolidate its transcontinental flights at Newark. In 2016, Newark was among ten U.S. cities selected to initiate daily service to José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba.
Southwest Airlines launched service at Newark in 2011 with flights to ten destinations but ceased all operations there by November 2019 due to Boeing 737 MAX groundings, diminished demand, and facility constraints. The airline shifted its New York presence primarily to Long Island and LaGuardia airports.
Redevelopment and growth
In 2016, the Port Authority approved a $2.7 billion redevelopment project to replace Terminal A, which fully opened in December 2022. This new terminal increased Newark’s total gates to 125 and includes 33 gates within Terminal A alone, with 16 adaptable for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft. The upgrade is designed to improve passenger movement and gate flexibility and is supported by plans for a new AirTrain Newark monorail system expected to be completed by 2029.
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States caused a sharp decline in airport activity, with passenger traffic dropping from a peak of 46.3 million in 2019 to just 15.9 million in 2020. Airlines responded accordingly: Alaska Airlines reduced its service and leased gates to JetBlue, while United Airlines cut approximately 50 domestic flights from Newark in 2022 as part of efforts to reduce delays. In January 2023, an FAA system outage resulted in grounding of 103 flights at Newark—the third highest number nationwide.
In October 2022, PANYNJ introduced the EWR Vision plan in collaboration with aviation consultants Arup and SOM for development through the year 2065. Early priorities focused on completing Terminal A and replacing the AirTrain system. The initiative aims to establish a World Class Gateway for New Jersey that supports long-term economic growth while expanding capacity for both passengers and cargo without interrupting current operations.
The EWR Vision plan outlined for October 2024 includes:
- Terminal development: Building a new international terminal to replace Terminal B alongside enhancements to Terminal C complementing the recently opened Terminal A; these improvements are intended to accommodate passenger growth with provisions for future expansion.
- Airside development: Modernizing taxiways to increase efficiency and resilience; enabling accommodation of larger aircraft; enhancing parking flexibility; adding deicing capabilities; and upgrading safety measures according to contemporary standards.
- Landside development: Revamping vehicular and multimodal access points for greater efficiency and convenience; expanding terminal frontages to improve passenger flow; simplifying AirTrain accessibility; improving infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians; and streamlining roadway configurations.
By 2025, Newark supports operations for approximately fifty airlines and ranks as United Airlines’ fourth-largest hub after Denver, Chicago O'Hare, and Houston George Bush Intercontinental airports. United accounts for over 63% of passenger traffic at Newark; JetBlue follows with an 11.4% share, while American Airlines holds about 5.6%. FedEx maintains three facilities totaling roughly two million square feet at the airport.
Runways and taxiways
Covering an area of , the airport is equipped with three runways and a single helipad:[1][2]
- 4L/22R: , asphalt/concrete, grooved
- 4R/22L: , asphalt, grooved
- 11/29: , asphalt, grooved
- Helipad H1: , asphalt
Runway 11/29 has origins dating back to World War II. In 1952, Runways 1/19 and 6/24 were decommissioned and replaced by Runway 4/22 (currently designated 4R/22L), which initially measured . After 1970, it was extended to , briefly shortened, then restored to its present length by the year 2000. Runway 4L/22R commenced operations in 1970 at a length of , later extended to its current dimensions by 2000.
The airport features over 12 miles of taxiways, each 75 feet wide. In 2014, the Port Authority finalized a $97 million upgrade of Runway 4L/22R and introduced four additional taxiways aimed at minimizing delays—three designed to allow multiple aircraft to queue for departure, and one facilitating faster runway exits for incoming flights.[3][4]
All runways except Runway 29 are equipped with Instrument Landing Systems; Runway 4R holds certification for Category III approaches, with Runway 22L also upgraded to CAT III standards.[5]
Takeoffs predominantly occur on Runway 4L/22R, while landings are mainly conducted on Runway 4R/22L; Runway 11/29 is utilized for smaller planes or during periods of strong crosswinds. The parallel runways (4L and 4R) at Newark are spaced apart, ranking as the fourth-tightest separation among major U.S. airports after those at San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle–Tacoma. The helipad H1 is operated by Blade, offering helicopter service linking EWR/JFK with Manhattan’s East 34th Street Heliport, aiming for transfer times under five minutes using Bell 407 helicopters.[6]
Unlike JFK and LaGuardia airports, Newark’s runways are entirely landlocked—positioned near but not directly adjacent to Newark Bay or the Hudson River.[7]
Cargo
The North Terminal was razed in 1997 to make way for a new air cargo complex. Presently, EWR provides nearly one million square feet dedicated to cargo operations across 290 acres. Situated in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, the airport lies adjacent to the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal and Foreign-Trade Zone No. 49. It accommodates over 45 air freight carriers with approximately 1,200 daily flights serving both domestic and international destinations. Facilities include climate-controlled warehouses and cold storage areas designed for perishable products.
Aeroterm oversees buildings 339 and 340, while United Airlines established its cargo facility in 2001. FedEx maintains a $60 million sorting center at its Newark hub encompassing Buildings 347, 156, and most of Building 155. Building 157, completed in 2003, houses multiple tenants. UPS finalized construction of a new cargo building in 2019.
Air traffic control
Newark’s inaugural air traffic control facility began operations in December 1935 following a fatal accident that prompted enhancements in aviation safety. The initial terminal (Building 51) contained the first control tower, designed by John Homlish during the 1930s. A concrete brutalist-style tower crafted by Allan Gordon Lorimer opened in 1960 at a cost of $1.5 million; this tower ceased operations in 2002 and was demolished two years later.
The current air traffic control tower, completed in the early 2000s, rises to a height of 325 feet with views encompassing the Manhattan skyline and George Washington Bridge. It is positioned adjacent to a Marriott hotel located on airport grounds.
Additional Amenities
Newark Liberty International Airport's grounds include several hotels such as the Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn. The airport's exclusive fixed-base operator is Signature Flight Support, which provides services tailored to private aviation. Short-term parking is available at Terminals A, B, and C, while Garage P4 offers direct access to the AirTrain system. For economy parking, Lot P6 can be reached via the Port Authority shuttle bus. On-site conveniences also include an Exxon fueling station and a 7-Eleven convenience store, both situated at 100 Lindbergh Road.
Terminal Overview
The airport features a total of 125 gates distributed among three terminals: Terminal A houses 33 gates, Terminal B contains 24, and Terminal C accommodates 68. Gate numbering starts at A1 in Terminal A and extends through to C138 in Terminal C. The wayfinding system throughout these terminals was crafted by Paul Mijksenaar, who also developed signage for LaGuardia and JFK Airports.
Terminal A
In March 2017, the Port Authority sanctioned a $2.7 billion redevelopment plan to replace Newark’s original Terminal A, which dated back to 1973. Constructed on land previously occupied by United Parcel Service and United States Postal Service, the new terminal includes redesigned roadways featuring eight new bridges, a six-story parking garage with space for 2,700 vehicles alongside a rental car center, 33 gates, and a pedestrian walkway linking the AirTrain station, parking structure, and terminal building. The terminal officially commenced operations on December 8, 2022; however, full functionality was deferred until January 12, 2023, starting with 17 gates open. By August 2023, all 33 gates were fully operational.
Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the new Terminal A updates the modular concrete aesthetic of existing facilities by incorporating modern materials to create a more spacious and naturally illuminated environment. The redevelopment enhanced traffic circulation through additional lanes at passenger pickup and drop-off zones, repositioned check-in counters and security checkpoints closer to entrances, and introduced flexible gate usage via a "common-use" system. This four-level structure comprises departure areas, mezzanine office spaces, arrivals on the ground floor, and baggage claim facilities.
Management of Terminal A falls under EWR Terminal One LLC, operated by Munich Airport International—a subsidiary of Munich Airport. This entity oversees terminal operations, maintenance, and retail concessions across approximately one million square feet. Plans are in progress to upgrade the AirTrain monorail system with a new installation projected for completion in 2029.
Terminal A accommodates airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue (with some international arrivals processed at Terminal B), and certain United flights not operating out of Terminal C. The check-in and security procedures incorporate elements of automation to streamline passenger processing. The terminal showcases local artwork installations, digital art displays, a broad selection of dining and retail venues, plentiful power outlets for device charging, as well as convenient connections for rideshare services, public transit options, and taxis. Its architectural design pays homage to New Jersey’s identity as the "Garden State."
The rooftop of the new parking garage is outfitted with an array of 12,708 solar panels—representing the largest solar roof installation at any airport in the United States—spanning an area comparable to six football fields. In 2023, Terminal A earned the special prize for exterior design within the airports category at the Prix Versailles global awards. The following year, it achieved Skytrax’s esteemed 5-star rating and was recognized as the best new airport terminal worldwide—becoming only the second terminal in North America to receive these dual distinctions.
Terminal B
Constructed in 1973, Terminal B consists of four levels and stands as the sole passenger terminal under the direct management of the Port Authority. It primarily accommodates numerous international airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Aer Lingus, along with ultra-low-cost regional carriers including Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Allegiant Air. Additionally, it handles certain United Airlines international arrivals.
An international arrivals hall, costing $120 million, was inaugurated in 1996. This facility includes 56 immigration booths, seven baggage carousels, and expansive skylights offering sweeping views of aircraft operations and the Manhattan skyline. Starting in 2006, renovations were initiated to increase capacity and enhance passenger convenience, featuring refreshed ticketing zones, a newly established domestic departure floor, and an upgraded arrivals area.
By January 2012, the Port Authority allocated $350 million to further improve Terminal B, expanding usable space by over and optimizing passenger circulation while maintaining its distinctive "cathedral-like" architectural design. In 2014, advanced LED lighting equipped with wireless network technology was installed to bolster security and operational efficiency through monitoring of queues, license plates, and unusual activities. The comprehensive modernization was finalized by May 2014.
Current redevelopment plans involve demolishing the original Terminal B structure to construct a new landside terminal as part of Newark Airport’s ongoing transformation efforts.
Terminal C
Completed in 1988 and designed by Grad Associates, Terminal C is exclusively operated by United Airlines along with its regional affiliate United Express, serving as their principal global hub. The main terminal building dates back to the 1970s when Terminals A and B were built but initially remained unused until People Express took control to replace the former North Terminal amid their hub expansion.
From 1998 to 2003, Terminal C underwent a $1.2 billion overhaul known as the Continental Airlines Global Gateway Project, crafted by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. This redevelopment doubled the capacity for departing passengers by repurposing the old baggage claim area into a second departures level. The expansion introduced International Concourse C-3, capable of accommodating up to 19 narrow-body or 12 wide-body aircraft, raising the total mainline jet gates to 57. Additional enhancements included a new international arrivals center, an airside walkway connecting Concourses C-1, C-2, and C-3, a President’s Club (now known as United Polaris Lounge) for international business class travelers, and upgraded baggage handling systems alongside a redesigned underground parking facility.
In November 2014, OTG, the terminal’s amenity manager, unveiled a $120 million renovation initiative for Terminal C that incorporated 6,000 iPads and introduced 55 restaurants curated by celebrity chefs. The initial dining venues opened in summer 2015 with full project completion achieved in 2016. By 2019, Terminal C earned national acclaim as 'Best for Foodies' from Fodor's Travel Awards.
North Terminal (1953–1997)
The North Terminal began operations in 1953. Although Terminals A and the current Terminal B opened in 1973, some charter flights and international services needing customs clearance continued using the North Terminal until newer terminals were available. Following extensive expansion efforts, People Express Airlines designated the North Terminal as its primary air terminal and corporate headquarters starting in 1981. After merging with Continental Airlines in 1987, operations at the North Terminal gradually diminished. The terminal was ultimately closed in 1997 and subsequently demolished to facilitate new cargo infrastructure development.
Terminal A (1973–2023)
The initial Terminal A was in operation from 1973 until January 12, 2023, when it was succeeded by a newly constructed Terminal A. Overseen by EWR Terminal One LLC, a subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH, this terminal accommodated domestic flights and Canadian services for carriers such as JetBlue, Air Canada, American Airlines, American Eagle, along with select United Express flights.
Within Terminal A, passengers had access to a United Club located in concourse A2, an Admirals Club for American Airlines customers, and the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. The terminal did not provide immigration processing; therefore, international arrivals without U.S. customs preclearance were unable to utilize this facility. In 2016, the Port Authority sanctioned a redevelopment initiative aimed at replacing Terminal A.
Demolition of portions of the terminal commenced on September 30, 2021. The remaining sections were closed to travelers on January 12, 2023, with the majority of the structure dismantled by spring 2024. The only surviving part is the headhouse, which now serves as the Newark Airport Redevelopment Office.
Train
The AirTrain Newark monorail system links the airport terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, which is served by New Jersey Transit lines including the Northeast Corridor Line and North Jersey Coast Line. This station provides connections to major transit points like Newark Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, and New York Penn Station, facilitating transfers throughout northern New Jersey and Long Island, New York. Additionally, Amtrak's Northeast Regional and Keystone Service trains stop here. Travel via AirTrain between terminals, parking lots, garages, and rental car centers is complimentary.
In September 2012, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey launched a feasibility study for extending the PATH line to this station, proposing a new ground-level stop west of the current NJ Transit station. By 2014, the Board approved the extension plan and earmarked $1.7 billion in its 2017 capital budget, targeting construction commencement in 2020 and service initiation by 2026.
However, by 2023, funding challenges led to postponement of the PATH extension project; attention shifted toward enhancing station access to adjacent neighborhoods instead. On March 22, 2024, the Port Authority authorized a $160 million expansion of the station that includes constructing a pedestrian bridge to Frelinghuysen Avenue along with designated drop-off zones for vehicles and buses. This initiative does not encompass the PATH extension but secures future right-of-way for it and aims for completion in 2026.
In January 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy unveiled plans for a $2 billion replacement of AirTrain Newark due to its aging infrastructure causing frequent delays and malfunctions. The Port Authority approved this project in October 2019 with an estimated budget of $2.05 billion. By May 2021, requests for proposals were distributed to four competing teams. In December 2023, Austrian company Doppelmayr was awarded the contract to replace the monorail with an advanced cable car system that includes operational services for twenty years at nearly $1 billion cost. The upgraded AirTrain is slated to begin operations in 2029.
NJ Transit
NJ Transit provides northbound local bus services connecting to Irvington, Downtown Newark, and Newark Penn Station—facilitating transfers to PATH and other NJ Transit rail routes. The go bus 28 bus rapid transit line links Downtown Newark with Newark Broad Street Station and Bloomfield Station. Southbound routes extend service toward Elizabeth, Lakewood, Toms River, among other destinations. Additional NJ Transit bus lines serving Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) include routes 37, 62, 67, 107, and 107X.
Olympia Trails
Olympia Trails offers express bus routes to Manhattan, stopping at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Moreover, shared taxi services branded as GO Airport Shuttle are operated by Super-Shuttle and Go-link.
Trans-Bridge Lines
United Airlines collaborates with Trans-Bridge Lines to provide shuttle transportation to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) located in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, near Allentown. Prior to merging with United in 2010, Continental Airlines discontinued its Newark-Allentown flights in 1995 due to persistent air traffic control delays and substituted them with bus service.
Trans-Bridge Lines runs buses servicing Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) along the Allentown-Clinton-New York City corridor. This route includes stops at ABE, the Allentown Bus Terminal, Clinton's Park and Ride, and Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal, covering multiple locations within Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Road
The airport is accessible via private limousine services, car hires, and taxis; fares for trips into New York City are governed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Direct access to the airport is provided by U.S. Route 1/9, which connects to New Jersey Route 81 and Interstate 78. Both highways intersect with the New Jersey Turnpike at exits 13A and 14 on Interstate 95. This interchange is commonly referred to as the Newark Airport Interchange. Traveling north on Route 1/9 leads onto the Pulaski Skyway, which then connects to Route 139 heading east toward the Holland Tunnel, providing entry into Lower Manhattan.
Brewster Road loops around the northern, eastern, and western boundaries of the airport, granting access to parking areas, Port Authority police facilities, and terminal entrances. The official address for the airport is 3 Brewster Road.
Parking options include both short-term and long-term lots equipped with shuttle buses and monorail connections to terminals. Since October 2020, the Port Authority has deployed a fleet of 36 electric shuttle buses supported by 19 charging stations across Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia airports—marking the largest all-electric fleet on the East Coast. Additionally, a complimentary cellphone waiting lot is available for drivers picking up passengers.
Top destinations
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| Position | Carrier | Passenger Count | Market Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Airlines | 33,414,010 | 68.1% |
| 2 | Spirit Airlines | 2,804,033 | 5.7% |
| 3 | JetBlue | 2,375,540 | 4.8% |
| 4 | American Airlines | 2,355,794 | 4.8% |
| 5 | Delta Air Lines | 1,771,602 | 3.6% |
| 6 | Alaska Airlines | 1,146,730 | 2.3% |
| 7 | Air Canada | 751,197 | 1.5% |
| 8 | Scandinavian Airlines | 465,860 | 1.0% |
| 9 | Porter Airlines | 410,390 | 0.8% |
| 10 | British Airways | 384,655 | 0.8% |
Annual traffic
| Year | Passenger Volume | Year | Passenger Volume | Year | Passenger Volume |
|---|
Airport information
Newark Airport employs a consistent color-coded signage system that it shares with LaGuardia and JFK airports; this system was created by Paul Mijksenaar. The voice heard on airport radio broadcasts and the AirTrain Newark system is provided by Bernie Wagenblast, a former New York City traffic reporter. The airport uses the IATA code EWR rather than an 'N' prefix because "NEW" is assigned to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans and 'N' codes are reserved exclusively for Navy facilities.
Accidents and incidents
- On March 17, 1929, a Colonial Western Airlines Ford Tri-Motor suffered failure of two engines shortly after departure and crashed into a railroad freight car; this accident resulted in the deaths of 14 out of the 15 people aboard and was the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States at that time.
- On January 14, 1933, an Eastern Air Transport Curtiss Condor crashed near Newark causing the deaths of two crew members.
- On May 4, 1947, a Union Southern Airlines Douglas DC-3 overran the runway at Newark and caught fire; two crew members lost their lives.
- On December 16, 1951, a Miami Airlines C-46 Commando experienced cylinder loss during takeoff and crashed in Elizabeth, New Jersey; this incident claimed the lives of 56 individuals.
- On January 22, 1952, American Airlines Flight 6780, operated by a Convair 240, crashed while approaching Runway 6 in Elizabeth; all thirty onboard perished.
- On February 11, 1952, National Airlines Flight 101, a Douglas DC-6, crashed after departing Runway 24 in Elizabeth resulting in thirty-three fatalities.
- On April 18, 1979 a helicopter operated by New York Airways crashed between runways at Newark due to tail rotor malfunction; three passengers died and fifteen were injured.
- On March 30, 1983 a Hughes Charter Air Learjet 23 crashed during an unstabilized landing approach; both pilots died and marijuana impairment was noted as a factor.
- On July 31, 1997 FedEx Flight 14, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, flipped over during landing after engine contact with the runway; although the aircraft was destroyed by fire all five occupants survived.
- On January 10, 2010 United Airlines Flight 634 operating an Airbus A319-100 experienced landing gear failure resulting in touchdown on the nose and left main gear; minor injuries were reported.
- On May 1st of 2013 Scandinavian Airlines Flight 908 (A330-300) collided with an ExpressJet Embraer ERJ-145 while taxiing; the ERJ-145 lost its tail section.
- On April 28th of 2025 Newark air traffic control lost radar and radio communication with all aircraft for approximately ninety seconds due to equipment malfunctions that continued into May.
See also
Sources
External links
- Official website of Newark Liberty International Airport
- "World's Busiest Airport," Popular Mechanics, May 1937
- Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ Port Authority historical document
- Articles with short description
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- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Airports in New Jersey
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Transportation in Elizabeth, New Jersey
- Transportation in Newark, New Jersey
- Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command in North America
- Airfields of the United States Army Air Forces in New Jersey
- Historic American Engineering Record in New Jersey
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- Buildings and structures in Newark, New Jersey
- Airports established in 1928
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