Newark Airport’s Significantly Enhanced Terminal A Is Now Open

Recent travelers through New York City are likely aware that the area's airports are undergoing significant renovations—just look at LaGuardia’s stunning transformation into a modern facility. John F. Kennedy International Airport is also in the process of being revamped. Now, Newark Liberty International Airport is up next.

During a ribbon-cutting event in November, local leaders and media were treated to a first look at the new Terminal A at New Jersey's Newark Airport (EWR), which officially opened to travelers on January 12, 2023.

The $2.7 billion facility is projected to accommodate nearly 14 million passengers each year, featuring 33 gates spread across 1 million square feet. Airlines that operate from Newark's Terminal A include Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

The former terminal, which is slated for demolition soon, was built to serve 9 million passengers annually when it opened nearly half a century ago. As air travel demand increased, the ensuing congestion only exacerbated Newark Airport's poor reputation—the hub frequently ranks low in customer satisfaction among airports.

During the launch on November 15, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy remarked, “It’s hard to believe that people will arrive at this new terminal and think, ‘Is this Newark Liberty?’”

He went on to say that the previous Terminal A was “a challenging, sometimes frustrating, and often exhausting place” for travelers to navigate. He acknowledged that the facility was “tragically outdated.”

What’s new at Terminal A

The new terminal stands in stark contrast to its drab predecessor, boasting high ceilings, airy concourses filled with natural light, and a diverse range of design elements, including murals and public artworks created by New Jersey artists. The spacious gate areas offer 60 percent more seating, some adorned with trees and potted plants. Each gate is equipped with charging stations, and the entire airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi.

A Central Rotunda features a food court and, notably, a collection of digital towers known as the 'Forest of Firsts' that celebrates various milestones in New Jersey’s history, spanning achievements in science and literature. For instance, one display honors Thomas Edison, who invented the phonograph and an early model of the light bulb at his laboratory in New Jersey. The terminal also includes several play areas for children.

Other notable features of the terminal include:

• Over 60 dining options, featuring locally inspired eateries like New Jersey Mike’s Subs, Playa Bowls (offering açai and poke bowls, smoothies, and juices), and Jersey & Co. Gelato, along with well-known national brands such as the iconic Shake Shack and the ever-popular Starbucks. The extensive retail space includes major brands like Boss, MAC, Kiehl’s, and Tumi.
• Four airport lounges, which include an American Admirals Club, a Delta Sky Club, and a United Club, plus a distinguished American Express Centurion Lounge boasting views of the Manhattan skyline and Newark harbor.
• 60 check-in kiosks strategically located throughout the departures hall that are “common use,” allowing passengers to check in for any airline’s flight at any kiosk. The kiosks also support touchless facial recognition technology, with plans for biometric boarding gates in the future, according to officials.
• Contemporary restroom facilities designed to reflect various regions of New Jersey, including “coastal shores” and “metropolitan chic.”

A two-phase rollout

Terminal A is being launched in two phases—on January 12, the first 21 gates opened, while the remaining 12 gates are expected to be completed later in 2023. Officials at the unveiling indicated that the Terminal A project represents just the initial phase of enhancing the entire airport to meet the standards of the best airports worldwide. Newark also features Terminal B, which accommodates international airlines, and Terminal C, which serves United operations—although United will also receive additional gates in the new terminal.