This East Coast Airport Terminal Has Been Honored as One of the Best in the World

Recently, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey was often considered one of the least desirable airports for layovers. However, with the debut of the sleek 1-million-square-foot Terminal A in January 2023, Newark Airport has undergone a remarkable transformation—and the travel industry has taken notice.

Skytrax, an organization that ranks airports and terminals globally, has just bestowed Newark’s Terminal A with a prestigious 5-Star Airport Terminal Rating, its highest accolade.

Similar to Michelin stars in the culinary world, Skytrax ratings are regarded as the benchmark for airport excellence. Receiving this rating places Newark’s Terminal A alongside other renowned airports such as Hamad International Airport in Doha, Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, and Singapore Changi Airport.

Skytrax states that the rating is granted after a thorough evaluation of an “airport’s product and front-line service standards.” The five-star terminal rating highlights those airport terminals that deliver outstanding quality in facilities and customer service.

This $2.7 billion terminal, which opened just over a year ago, represents a significant upgrade from its dark and cramped 50-year-old predecessor that was built for only 9 million annual passengers and frequently felt overcrowded. In contrast, this new terminal, with its soaring ceilings and bright, naturally lit concourses, accommodated 15 million travelers in its inaugural year. Currently, airlines such as Air Canada, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United operate from Newark’s Terminal A.

The new terminal boasts a wide array of modern amenities. In the departures area, passengers can use various check-in kiosks equipped with facial-recognition technology, access over a dozen Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints for expedited screening, and even enjoy a sensory room, designed to resemble a tranquil stream flowing through a forest, providing a peaceful retreat for neurodivergent travelers.

With 60 percent more seating distributed across 33 gates—most of which are equipped with accessible power outlets—the terminal features over 60 concessions, including two beloved local bakeries, Bang Cookies and Tonnie’s Minis. Additionally, there is a children’s play area and numerous retail choices. Local art is prominently displayed, such as a collection of digital towers representing trees, each commemorating a significant milestone in New Jersey’s history (one honors Thomas Edison, inventor of the phonograph and an early light bulb version created in his New Jersey lab).

At present, there are three airline lounges available: an American Admirals Club, a Delta Sky Club, and a United Lounge. An American Express Centurion Lounge is expected to open in 2026.

"Our goal was to elevate the experience with Terminal A, from its impressive architecture to its sleek design and captivating local art," stated Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in a press release. "This outstanding recognition from the leading organization in aviation ratings confirms that we have achieved this goal, providing New Jersey with a remarkable gateway that deserves its place among the world’s finest."

In a press release, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, remarked that Newark’s "variety of passenger facilities, straightforward customer navigation, outstanding signage, and high standards of staff service" played a key role in earning this recognition.

So far, only 21 other airports and terminals globally have achieved the same five-star rating. Among these, only two are located in North America: William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B.