After months of delays, the new and improved Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport is now open for passengers. Renovations began in 2018, and the terminal was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November. The $2.7 billion project spans over a million square feet and features 21 gates, with 12 more set to open this year, allowing it to handle up to 13 million passengers annually—an increase of four million compared to the old terminal. Passengers can also enjoy new restaurants, shops, a children’s play area, and lounges like the expansive 18,000-square-foot American Express Centurion Lounge.
To enhance the passenger experience, the terminal incorporates state-of-the-art technology, such as touchless security and check-in, which the Port Authority hopes will minimize wait times and boost efficiency. Outside the terminal, four traffic lanes are dedicated to private cars, rideshares, taxis, and public transportation.
Inside, passengers are treated to unique art installations by 29 local artists and a digital piece showcasing New Jersey’s iconic landmarks. Sustainability is a core focus in the terminal’s design, featuring solar panels on the parking area roof and incorporating water-efficient fixtures and energy-saving lights.
“Newark Airport’s new Terminal A is a world-class piece of 21st-century engineering, with advanced check-in, security, and touchless e-gate technology. The public art, unique concessions, and innovative digital displays give it a distinct New Jersey flair,” said Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, at November’s ribbon-cutting. “It stands as a testament to the Port Authority’s dedication to creating inspiring and appealing first-rate transportation hubs for the region.”
United Airlines fans will be pleased to know the airline dominates much of the terminal space, but there’s room for other major carriers like JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada.
Governor Phil Murphy remarked that the unveiling in November represented the peak of the largest infrastructure project during his administration and the fruition of a vision for a state driven by robust infrastructure and economic opportunity. He added, “Terminal A is transforming travel in a state that has always set the standard for the nation.”
The airport’s redevelopment plan also includes new additions like a parking garage with rental car services and freshly paved sections of the south airfield, totaling $3.3 billion in renovations.
