The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey broke ground on a new AirTrain Newark system at Newark Liberty International Airport, launching construction of a modern, reliable 2.5-mile automated people mover.
The new US$3.5 billion system will replace the existing AirTrain, which opened in 1996 and has become outdated, over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth.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 represents a major component of the ongoing Newark Liberty International Airport redevelopment.
The redevelopment plan establishes a comprehensive reimagining of the airport, complete with modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and a redesigned taxiway network to more efficiently accommodate aircraft and reduce delays.
The new AirTrain system will enable expanded passenger capacity, greater reliability, and flexible connectivity in conjunction with the airport’s redevelopment plan.
It is expected to begin operation in 2030.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, said that building on Terminal A’s transformation, the new system will serve an increasing number of travelers and deliver the airport experience they deserve.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole, added that this project extends beyond replacing outdated infrastructure, it’s about building the capacity, reliability, and customer experience that millions of travelers will depend on for decades to come as we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.
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 forecasted to grow by 50% by 2040, exceeding current system capacity. The current system cannot be expanded or upgraded to newer technology, and its route will hinder future airport growth, while the new system is designed for expansion.
When the current system opened, the airport served approximately 30 million passengers annually. In 2024, Newark Liberty welcomed nearly 50 million passengers.
The new AirTrain system will be better positioned to meet the redeveloped and modernized airport’s needs. The system will offer greater reliability and capacity, with ability to handle 50,000 passengers per day, up from the current system’s 33,000-passenger capacity.
Its route will allow easier access to the new Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk between the AirTrain station and the terminal.
The route was designed with future airport growth in mind. Planning is underway for a new Terminal B to replace the current 52-year-old terminal.
The current system will largely remain operational until the new system opens, with some intermittent outages over a 28-month period that will exclude peak summer and holiday travel times.
The Port Authority will provide connections to the current Terminal B. As the Port Authority continues redeveloping the entire airport, passengers will be able to connect to the current terminal using various options, including pedestrian walkways and efficient bus services.
The agency will also test autonomous shuttles as a new and convenient transportation form that leverages 21st century technology to provide a convenient, comfortable experience.
The Port Authority plans to pilot the technology through three companies in 2026, building on several successful autonomous vehicle pilots at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy International airports over the last three years. Conventional electric shuttle buses will remain an option as well.
The new world-class Terminal B will be directly adjacent to the AirTrain station.
