The Newark AirTrain is officially getting a glow-up — a $3.5 billion transformation, to be exact.
On Tuesday, October 7th, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground on the project that will upgrade the 1996 system to accommodate 50,000 daily riders from the current 33,000. The 2.5 mile rail will be complete by 2030.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “This project is about more than just replacing outdated infrastructure. It’s about building the capacity, reliability, and customer experience that millions of travelers will depend on for decades to come as we complete a top-to-bottom reimagining of Newark Liberty.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy added, “Building on the transformation of Terminal A, the new system will meet an increasing number of travelers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.”
The Newark AirTrain & air travels current difficulties
This construction comes at a precarious time for air travel as the US federal government shutdown continues. Wednesday, October 8th, marks a third consecutive day of flight delays to due air traffic controller shortages, as those federal workers are not currently being paid amidst the government shutdown. Newark is among the major national airports that have been affected, including its counterparts in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, to name a few.
“There’s been one facility one day, another facility another day. Some areas there’s been a 50% reduction in some of the staffing. And again we’re tracking it, and we take the appropriate action necessary to make sure our skies are safe,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at Newark on Monday, October 6th.
Additionally, this project also follows the FAA extending flight cuts at Newark into fall 2026 in order to increase efficiency and reduce traffic delays. Since late spring, the airport has been experiencing major disruptions and grounded flights.