The newly released EWR Vision Plan is a wide-ranging blueprint setting the course for Newark’s continued development over the coming decades to accommodate passenger growth. It will also deliver modern, world-class terminals on a par with the Port Authority’s reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport, its historic $19bn transformation at John F Kennedy International Airport, and Newark’s own award-winning new Terminal A.
The EWR Vision Plan was developed in partnership with design firm Arup and architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It charts a comprehensive reimagining of the airport, complete with modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and a redesigned taxiway network to accommodate more aircraft and reduce delays. According to PANYNJ, the blueprint enables the airport to handle future growth, while serving the evolving needs of passengers, airlines, and the surrounding community. It was developed following extensive outreach to airport tenants, operational partners, and the public.
“A modern, efficient, world-class Newark Liberty Airport is more than just a dream. We now have an actionable path forward thanks to this comprehensive vision plan,” said Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As the blueprint shows, we’re ready to take a top-to-bottom look at everything from terminals to roadways to taxiways as we build EWR into a best-in-class global gateway and position it to continue serving as a vital economic engine for New Jersey and the region.”
The EWR Vision Plan represents a comprehensive blueprint for the future of the 96-year-old airport. Much of its current infrastructure dates back to the 1970s, when terminals B and C and the original Terminal A were built. Today, the airport’s legacy infrastructure struggles to meet the needs of modern air travel. This is especially true as the airport’s passenger volume grows. A record 49 million passengers passed through the airport in 2023. Major recurring issues, including insufficient terminal capacity, congested roadways, and airside delays often lead to inefficient operations and a subpar passenger experience.
Through the vision plan, the Port Authority aimed to accommodate future growth while delivering a world-class experience from curb to gate. The vision plan pursues a phased approach, minimising the impact on airport operations while fostering new business opportunities for the local community. The enhancements would also provide new opportunities for the Port Authority to advance the agency’s industry-leading sustainability efforts, furthering its commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while assisting its operational partners in achieving the same goal.
The plan is to build on the success of the airport’s new Terminal A. It also incorporates ongoing modernisation projects at the airport, including the replacement of the airport’s AirTrain system with a state-of-the-art automated system and a new access point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station for underserved neighbourhoods in the cities of Newark and Elizabeth.
Major elements of the EWR Vision Plan include:
– Terminal development: Modern, engaging, and comfortable terminals that reflect their communities are at the heart of the EWR Vision Plan. The plan calls for building a new, world-class international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. Both would complement the airport’s award-winning new Terminal A, which could also see further expansion.
– Airside development: The plan envisions improving the airport’s operations with a more efficient and resilient taxiway network, while accommodating the industry trend for larger aircraft. The new network would increase parking capacity and flexibility for aircraft, while creating redundancies to minimise delays during irregular operations. It incorporates additional de-icing facilities, allowing aircraft to push off from gates more quickly. It would also include the industry’s latest safety standards, increasing straight taxiway segments and minimising the need for crossings.
– Landside development: The blueprint looks to transform the airport’s vehicular and multi-modal access, prioritising efficiency and convenience for all users. Alongside terminal buildings, frontages would be expanded to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimising walking distances. AirTrain access would be simplified, while connectivity and amenities for cyclists, pedestrians, and service vehicles would be improved. The roadway network would also be streamlined to reduce decision points and separate major flows with independent circulation for each terminal.
The Port Authority expects to begin a two- to three-year planning process in 2025 for major elements of the redevelopment, including cost projections and project delivery alternatives.
