What to know
- Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday opened a massive new Terminal A that will replace the one in use for 50 years.
- Construction on the new one-million-square-foot terminal, which is about 20 percent larger than the one it’s replacing, began in 2018.
- The new terminal, which has three levels, will have a capacity of around 13.6 million passengers a year.
NEW JERSEY – Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday opened a massive new Terminal A that will replace the one in use for 50 years.
Construction on the new one million square foot terminal, which is about 20 percent larger than the one it is replacing, began in 2018. It is expected to feature amenities aimed at satisfying passengers, including four unloading lanes and collection of means of transport for passengers arriving or departing from the airport. It will also feature touchless security and boarding experiences.
In addition, as part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $2.7 billion Newark Liberty Airport redevelopment program, the new Terminal A will also feature the work of 29 local artists, the agency announced Monday. .
The innovative public art program is part of the Port Authority’s master plan to transform the customer experience at Newark Liberty through inspiring public art, operational excellence, the latest technology and world-class features.
“Unprecedented in its scale and potential impact, the Port Authority’s transformation of Terminal A will result in a space that is quintessentially New Jersey,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement Monday.
“Newark Liberty International Airport’s newly remodeled Terminal A will amplify the best of New Jersey,” state first lady Tammy Murphy said in a statement. “Not only will improved and expanded systems and structures be more efficient as part of our innovation ecosystem, but the breadth and depth of New Jersey’s innovation, arts, history and culture will be on display welcoming millions of travelers every year and showing our diversity and inclusive status.”
The new terminal, which has three levels, will have a capacity of around 13.6 million passengers a year. A covered pedestrian bridge will allow direct passenger access to the public car park and the new centralized car rental facility. According to the Port Authority, the terminal is expected to generate more than $4.6 billion for the regional economy, create more than 23,000 jobs and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages.
It is unclear whether the terminal will be ready in time for the voyage which is expected to begin next week for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. According to AAA, of the 55 million people expected to travel this holiday season, nearly 49 million are expected to drive, 4.5 million fly, and 1.4 million travel by bus, train or cruise.
Experts also shared how to avoid any impact on shipping labels.
“We’re going to see airfare well above $400, probably well over $1,000, especially those coastal flights from the East Coast to the West Coast and back again,” said Hayley Berg of Hopper Travel. “What we recommend if you haven’t booked your Thanksgiving or Christmas trip yet, book now! Prices won’t improve, fewer deals will be available, and fewer seats will be available for booking the longer you wait.”
