Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Breaks Ground on New Newark Airport AirTrain

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today broke ground on a new AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport, marking the start of construction on a modern 2.5-mile automated people mover.

The new $3.5 billion system will replace the existing AirTrain, which opened in 1996 and has become outdated, over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth.

The new AirTrain system is a major piece of the ongoing redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport. The redevelopment plan outlines a comprehensive reimagining of the airport, featuring modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and a redesigned taxiway system to more efficiently accommodate aircraft and minimize delays.

The new AirTrain system will enable expanded passenger capacity, increased reliability, and flexible connectivity in conjunction with the airport’s redevelopment plan. It is expected to begin operation in 2030.

The existing AirTrain is reaching the end of its useful life, requires extensive maintenance and repair, and cannot adequately meet upcoming demand. AirTrain ridership is projected to increase by 50% by 2040, surpassing the capacity of the existing system.

Officials said that the current system cannot be expanded or upgraded to newer technology, and its limitations will hinder future airport growth. In contrast, the new system is designed to be expandable. When the current system was introduced, the airport served approximately 30 million passengers annually. In 2024, Newark Liberty welcomed nearly 50 million passengers.

The new $3.5 billion AirTrain system will be better positioned to meet the needs of the redeveloped and modernized airport. The system will offer greater reliability and capacity, with the ability to handle 50,000 passengers per day, up from the current system’s 33,000-passenger capacity.

Its route will allow for easier access to the new Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk between the AirTrain station and the terminal.