PANYNJ Advances $3.5B AirTrain Newark Replacement Project
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Photo from October 7, 2025 groundbreaking of the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program groundbreaking.
PANYNJ
NEWARK - Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced construction of the new AirTrain Newark system begins it next major phase.
Crews are starting construction on the guideway and structure between the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station and the P4 station. On January 15, shuttle buses will begin to replace AirTrain service during the week. PANYNJ says the $3.5 billion automated system will replace the current AirTrain. Having opened in 1996, the AirTrain has “become outdated, [is] over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth.” The current system requires more maintenance and repair and is unable to meet the increasing demand, says PANYNJ, which is expected to grow by 50% in the next fifteen years. Additionally, the current system cannot be modernized and updated to new technology, necessitating the construction of a new automated system. The new system will be able to handle a larger capacity of 50,000 passengers daily. By 2030, the new system is expected to open to passengers.
During construction, AirTrain service will remain operational between Terminal A, P3, Terminal B, Terminal C, and P4 daily parking stations. More detailed information on detours can be found here.
In 2023, Terminal A opened at the Newark Liberty International Airport, kickstarting the airport’s redevelopment. Other future developments include a replacement of Terminal B and enhancement of Terminal C. Additionally, developments on the airside for more aircraft flexibility and parking capacity are in the works. As for landside development, PANYNJ says the vehicular and multi-modal access at the airport will be transformed, allowing for better efficiency and convenience. Here, frontages will be expanded “to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimizing walking distances.” Newark station access will also be enhanced with a new entry point to the airport rail station. This development will allow for “easier and faster” access for Newark and Elizabeth residents.
“Replacing AirTrain Newark is critical to the future of Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This next phase of construction moves that work from planning to visible progress, while ensuring travelers continue to have reliable ways to reach terminals, parking, and transit connections during construction.”
“This project is about building a system that can keep pace with Newark Liberty’s growth for decades to come,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We appreciate passengers’ patience during these temporary changes, enabling us to advance construction of a modern, high-capacity AirTrain that will deliver a smoother, more dependable experience for millions of passengers each year.”
