Newark Liberty Terminal B Improvements Approved Under Airport Redevelopment Plan
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved the first phase of a major upgrade programme for Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal B.
The Port Authority Board of Commissioners authorised an initial $75 million investment as part of a wider three-year, $200 million modernisation programme aimed at improving passenger facilities at the airport’s 53-year-old terminal.
The work forms part of the agency’s 2026-2035 Capital Plan and will support operations at Terminal B until a completely new terminal opens in the mid-2030s.
Terminal B Passenger Traffic Has Increased
Terminal B originally opened in 1973 and was designed to serve around 6.8 million passengers annually.
According to airport officials, the terminal handled approximately 11.5 million passengers in 2025, placing additional pressure on ageing infrastructure and passenger facilities.
The Port Authority stated that near-term improvements are intended to improve comfort, reliability, accessibility and the overall passenger experience while long-term redevelopment plans continue.
Initial Upgrades Will Begin This Year
The first phase of work scheduled to begin this year will focus on the terminal’s most immediate operational needs.
Planned upgrades include:
- Renovation of gate areas
- Improvements to restrooms
- Replacement of elevators and escalators
- Upgrades to boarding bridge systems
- Improvements to high-traffic passenger circulation spaces
- Updated lighting and frontage areas
The wider three-year programme will also include flooring replacement, seating upgrades, HVAC system improvements, baggage handling refurbishment and accessibility enhancements linked to ADA standards.
Officials Highlight Passenger Experience
Mikie Sherrill said the investment is intended to improve the passenger experience while supporting the state’s economy.
Kevin O’Toole stated that the improvements focus on areas passengers use most frequently including seating, restrooms and transportation systems inside the terminal.
Kathryn Garcia added that the investment is aimed at replacing outdated infrastructure and improving facilities passengers interact with during daily travel.
New Terminal B Planned for the Future
The current upgrade programme is separate from the long-term redevelopment project that will eventually replace Terminal B with a new international terminal.
According to the Port Authority, the future terminal will include expanded gate capacity, updated passenger technology, modern retail and dining areas and improved airport operations.
The redevelopment is part of the wider EWR Vision Plan designed to transform Newark Liberty International Airport into a modern international gateway.
Wider Airport Redevelopment Continues
The airport redevelopment programme began with the opening of the new Terminal A in 2023.
Other projects planned under the airport transformation programme include:
- Improvements to taxiway infrastructure
- Expanded aircraft parking areas
- New deicing facilities
- Modernisation of roadway access
- Replacement of the AirTrain Newark system
- New rail station access improvements for Newark and Elizabeth residents
The new AirTrain Newark system is expected to support growing passenger demand through a 2.5-mile automated rail network connecting terminals, parking facilities and regional rail services.
Airport Transformation Focuses on Long-Term Growth
The Port Authority said the overall redevelopment programme is intended to improve airport efficiency, operational resilience and passenger movement while preparing Newark Liberty for future travel growth.
Officials also stated that the redevelopment aims to strengthen the airport’s role as a major gateway for the New York and New Jersey region.
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