Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) holds a distinguished place in aviation history as the United States’ oldest major airfield still in operation. Its story began in 1928 when the City of Newark dedicated a 68-acre site as Newark Municipal Airport. The facility opened on October 1, 1928, featuring the world’s first paved runway and an innovative terminal building that included the first airport restaurant and the first air traffic control tower in the United States.
During the 1930s, Newark rapidly developed into the nation’s busiest commercial airport, handling more passengers than any other American airport before LaGuardia Airport opened in New York. Amelia Earhart dedicated the Newark Administration Building in 1935, which now houses the airport’s museum. These pioneering years established Newark as a technological and operational leader in aviation.
World War II transformed the airport significantly as the U.S. Army took control in 1942, renaming it Newark Army Air Base. Military operations dominated during the war years, with commercial traffic relocated to LaGuardia. After the war, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (originally the Port of New York Authority) acquired the airport in 1948, beginning an era of modernization and expansion.
The dawn of the jet age in the 1950s prompted further development, with the North Terminal (now Terminal A) opening in 1953. The airport was renamed Newark International Airport in 1973, reflecting its growing role in international aviation. In 2002, following the September 11 attacks, the facility was again renamed Newark Liberty International Airport, incorporating “Liberty” to honor the victims and symbolize freedom.
Modern development accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s with significant terminal renovations and expansions. Terminal C, now the airport’s largest terminal, opened in 1988 to accommodate Continental Airlines’ growing hub operation. People Mover AirTrain Newark began operation in 1996, connecting terminals with parking facilities and rail transportation.
Throughout its evolution, Newark Airport has balanced its role as a critical transportation hub with the challenges of operating in the densely populated New York metropolitan area. Today, it stands as a vital international gateway with a rich heritage as America’s first truly modern airport.
EWR Quick Facts
- IATA Code: EWR
- ICAO Code: KEWR
- Location: Newark, New Jersey, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of downtown Newark and 9 miles (14.5 km) west of Manhattan
- Elevation: 18 feet (5.5 meters) above sea level
- Runways: 3 runways (11,000 feet, 10,000 feet, and 6,800 feet)
- Terminals: 3 terminals (Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C)
- Operating Hours: 24/7, with overnight flight restrictions
- Official Name: Newark Liberty International Airport
- Airport Operator: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Hub For: United Airlines
- Time Zone: Eastern Time (ET)
Impressive Statistics
Newark Liberty International Airport consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the United States and serves as one of three major airports serving the New York metropolitan area. In 2023, EWR handled approximately 46 million passengers, solidifying its position as the New York metro area’s second-busiest airport after JFK and the eleventh-busiest airport in the United States.
As United Airlines’ largest East Coast hub, Newark manages approximately 1,000 daily flights to about 170 destinations. International travel comprises roughly 30% of Newark’s passenger traffic, with approximately 13.5 million international passengers annually traversing its terminals to reach destinations on six continents.
The airport’s operations span 2,027 acres (820 hectares) and generate significant economic impact for the region, supporting approximately 85,000 jobs directly and indirectly while contributing over $33.9 billion in annual economic activity to the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region.
Cargo operations are substantial, with EWR processing around 800,000 tons of freight annually, making it an important component of the region’s supply chain infrastructure. The airport’s proximity to Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal creates a powerful multimodal freight hub for the eastern United States.
Despite its relatively compact footprint compared to other major U.S. airports, Newark manages to handle about 457,000 aircraft movements annually. The airport’s close proximity to several other busy airports in the congested New York airspace creates one of the world’s most complex air traffic environments, requiring sophisticated management systems to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Modern Facilities
Newark Airport’s three terminals offer varying experiences and amenities as the facility continues its phased modernization. The recently opened Terminal A, which began operations in January 2023, represents a dramatic upgrade to the passenger experience. This $2.7 billion, one-million-square-foot facility features 33 gates, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a distinctly New Jersey sense of place through art installations and concessions featuring local businesses.
Terminal B, serving international carriers and some United flights, retains its original structure but has undergone significant renovations to improve passenger flow and amenities. Its distinctive satellite design with central immigration and customs facilities efficiently processes international arrivals.
Terminal C, exclusively operated by United Airlines, has become one of the most technologically advanced terminals in North America following extensive investment. The terminal features more than 6,000 iPads for customer use, biometric boarding gates, and a reinvented dining program featuring celebrated chefs and digital ordering systems.
Shopping options across all terminals include approximately 80 retail locations. Terminal C leads with upscale offerings and tech-focused stores like InMotion Electronics and the first airport location of the FAO Schwarz toy store. The new Terminal A features local New Jersey businesses including Jersey & Co. Gelato and All Points West Distillery, alongside national brands.
Dining has become a particular strength at Newark, especially in Terminal C where United and OTG Management have partnered to create restaurant concepts from notable chefs including Dale Talde, Amanda Cohen, and Mario Carbone. The new Terminal A continues this culinary focus with locally-inspired offerings including Jersey Mike’s Subs, Smokehouse BBQ, and NYSB (New York Street Bistro). Terminal B offers diverse international and American dining options reflecting its multinational passenger base.
Business travelers benefit from several lounges, including three United Club locations in Terminal C and the United Polaris Lounge for international business class passengers. Terminal B houses lounges for international carriers including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Lufthansa. The Art & Lounge in Terminal B offers a pay-per-use option for travelers without airline status.
Family-friendly amenities include nursing pods in all terminals, children’s play areas in Terminals A and C, and family restrooms throughout the airport. For those requiring special assistance, the airport provides comprehensive accessibility services, including dedicated TSA lanes and inter-terminal transportation.
Public art enhances the passenger experience, particularly in the new Terminal A where a $6 million arts program includes large-scale installations by New Jersey-based artists. The historic original airport administration building houses the Newark Airport Museum, showcasing artifacts from the facility’s pioneering aviation history.
Airlines and Destinations
As United Airlines’ largest East Coast hub, Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a crucial transatlantic gateway and domestic network hub. United operates approximately 70% of all flights at EWR, offering extensive service throughout North America and to international destinations across Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.
International connectivity is a key strength, with approximately 40 international carriers operating at Newark. European service is particularly robust, with nonstop flights to major destinations including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Amsterdam, and Lisbon. British Airways, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, and Virgin Atlantic maintain significant operations at the airport.
Asian destinations include direct service to Hong Kong, Tokyo, Delhi, and Tel Aviv. Latin American and Caribbean connectivity is extensive, with numerous flights to Mexico, Central America, and island destinations throughout the Caribbean. Service to South America includes nonstop flights to São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lima.
Domestic service focuses on connecting the New York metropolitan area to major business markets across the United States. Beyond United’s extensive network, other domestic carriers with operations at Newark include JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines, though their presence is relatively limited compared to their operations at neighboring JFK and LaGuardia airports.
Newark’s role as a Star Alliance hub facilitates convenient connections between United and international partners including Lufthansa, Air Canada, SAS, and All Nippon Airways. These partnerships enhance Newark’s position as a global connecting point, particularly for traffic between North America and Europe.
Cargo operations include dedicated services from major carriers including FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, supplementing the substantial belly cargo capacity of international passenger flights. The proximity to the Port of New York and New Jersey creates efficient multimodal shipping opportunities for global logistics.
Ground Transportation
Newark Airport benefits from exceptional ground transportation connectivity to New York City and the broader metropolitan region. The AirTrain Newark automated monorail system connects all terminals, parking facilities, rental car facilities, and the Newark Liberty International Airport Station on the Northeast Corridor rail line.
Rail service provides the most reliable access to Manhattan via NJ Transit and Amtrak connections at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. NJ Transit offers frequent service to New York Penn Station with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains also serve the station, providing direct connections to Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston, and other Northeast cities.
Bus service includes the Newark Airport Express to Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and Bryant Park, with departures every 15-30 minutes and a travel time of 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. NJ Transit buses connect the airport to communities throughout northern New Jersey.
Taxis use a zone-based fare system for trips to Manhattan, with set rates of approximately $75-85 (plus tolls and surcharges) depending on the specific zone. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes without traffic, though rush hour can extend this significantly. Ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft operate from designated areas outside each terminal, often providing more economical options than traditional taxis.
Rental car facilities are centralized at Station P2 and P3, accessible via the AirTrain system. All major rental companies maintain operations at Newark, serving the substantial drive market in the New York metropolitan region.
For those driving to the airport, EWR offers both short-term and long-term parking options, with approximately 17,000 spaces available across multiple garages and lots. Premium options include valet parking and a reserved parking program that guarantees space availability with advance booking.
The Future Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport is in the midst of a comprehensive $5.3 billion redevelopment program designed to transform the passenger experience and improve operational efficiency. The recently completed Terminal A represents the first major component of this modernization effort, replacing the outdated original terminal with a state-of-the-art facility featuring enhanced security checkpoints, modernized gate areas, and local concessions.
The next major phase involves replacing the aging Terminal B with a new 1.5-million-square-foot international terminal featuring 39 gates and cutting-edge customs processing technology. This project, scheduled for completion around 2027, will dramatically improve the experience for international travelers while increasing capacity and efficiency.
Airfield improvements are ongoing, with rehabilitation of all three runways and enhancement of taxiways to reduce congestion and aircraft idling time. These projects aim to address Newark’s historical challenges with on-time performance while decreasing emissions and fuel consumption.
Ground transportation enhancements include the replacement of the aging AirTrain Newark with a new $2.05 billion system featuring larger trains, improved reliability, and a new alignment. The project includes construction of a new AirTrain station to connect with the new Terminal A and future Terminal B replacement.
Technology implementation focuses on streamlining the passenger journey through expanded use of biometric processing, self-service bag drops, and advanced security screening. United Airlines’ significant investment in Terminal C will continue, with further integration of digital tools to simplify check-in, boarding, and airport navigation.
Sustainability initiatives have become increasingly important in Newark’s development strategy, with the new Terminal A achieving LEED Silver certification. Future projects will incorporate energy-efficient systems, expanded electric vehicle infrastructure, and solar power installations to reduce the airport’s environmental footprint.
As the New York region continues to grow, Newark Liberty International Airport’s strategic location and ongoing modernization position it to play an increasingly important role in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The current redevelopment program ensures that America’s oldest major airfield will continue serving the region with facilities that honor its pioneering heritage while embracing aviation’s future.
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