Newark Airport is replacing its 27-year-old AirTrain with a futuristic $3.5 billion automated system designed to seamlessly connect passenger terminals by 2030

While the construction project will span several years and prioritize local minority businesses for union careers, current travelers won't face disruptions as the old monorail remains fully operational until the 50,000-passenger capacity system launches.

Natalia Alvarez

– Junior Staff Writer

· October 1, 2026

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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is officially building a $3.5 billion modern automated AirTrain system.

The current monorail has operated since 1996. It handles up to 12 million travelers annually. However, the aging infrastructure is outdated, over capacity, and requires extensive maintenance.

A massive transit transformation

With airport demand projected to skyrocket by 50 percent by 2040, the old system simply cannot support Newark’s growth.

The Port Authority is currently constructing a 2.5-mile elevated rail guideway. This major infrastructure overhaul includes three brand-new stations.

It will directly support the award-winning Terminal A and the Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility.

Source / Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Once fully operational in 2030, the new AirTrain will boast a daily capacity of 50,000 passengers.

The state-of-the-art vehicles will utilize a highly reliable, weather-resistant propulsion system. This technology is specifically engineered to handle extreme winter conditions.

What to expect during construction

If you are flying out of EWR soon, you don’t need to panic. The current AirTrain will remain in operation while the replacement is built.

It will continue connecting the terminals, parking lots, ConRAC, and the Rail Link Station until the new system opens. Construction officially began in October 2025.

The multi-phase procurement and construction process is being handled by a massive joint effort:

Doppelmayr is handling the building, manufacturing, delivery, and installation of the new system technology and rail vehicles.
Stantec is designing the pedestrian connectors and a 70,000-square-foot maintenance and control facility. They will also handle the eventual demolition of the 1996 system.
Tutor Perini/O&G is the lead contractor designing and building the 2.5-mile elevated rail structure and the three new stations.

Boosting the local economy

Beyond easing traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this transit project is a major win for local workers. The contractors pledged to prioritize minority- and locally owned businesses.

The Port Authority is also rolling out community benefit programs, including the PA BUILD pre-apprenticeship program.

This initiative will train up to 100 women and minorities from Newark and Elizabeth for union trade careers. They are also offering full-tuition college scholarships to local students.

The new AirTrain Newark expects to welcome its first passengers in 2030.