The Latest Newark and JFK Airport Renovation and Developments

Quick!  Think about the biggest airports in the United States. If you’ve thought of Newark Liberty International and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK),  give yourself a pat on the back! Newark and JFK are two of the largest airports in America in terms of airlines and destinations serviced.  

These airports are only going to get bigger. The Port Authority is planning major renovations that will expand both airports.

Though these renovations are essential, they can also significantly affect your travel plans. Before you book your flight, you need to do your research. 

What are the renovations like at Newark and JFK? What are the changes to ground transportation and parking? What are some travel tips you should follow? 

Answer these questions and you can plan your perfect flight today. Here is your quick guide.

Newark Airport Renovation Developments

The Port Authority is investing $5.3 billion in three major projects at Newark Liberty International Airport. Keep in mind that the airport can undergo smaller renovations that can affect your travel plans. Check the most recent developments online before you travel to Newark.

Terminal A

$2.7 billion is going toward modernizing and replacing Newark Terminal A. Terminal A currently handles domestic and Canadian flights, with 29 gates spread across three concourses. 

The new Terminal A will expand the airport’s size, with 33 gates covering one million square feet. The roadways outside the terminal will have eight new bridges to allow for easier access to the airport. The airfield will be 140 acres big, which will fit more airplanes and reduce congestion. 

The renovations are taking place in stages. Groups of gates are being shut down so workers can come in and replace them. Most of the terminal has been renovated, with a few gates still needing to be fixed.

AirTrain

The AirTrain runs between Newark’s three terminals and its Rail Link Station. You can use the AirTrain to travel from terminal to terminal and get to your connecting flights. The AirTrain also serves New York City and Philadelphia stations, allowing urban travelers to get to and from the airport. 

The current system has reached the end of its life, so the Port Authority is replacing it with a new system. The new AirTrain is nearly identical to the old one, and it will provide the same services. 

Construction has not begun yet, and there is no clear timeline for completion. The old AirTrain system is still running.

Parking and Rent-A-Car 

The Port Authority plans to open a 2,700-space parking garage with a Rent-A-Car facility inside. The garage will connect with the new Terminal A through a pedestrian bridge. The Rent-A-Car facility will be centralized, making it easy to pick up your car and park. 

The project was announced in 2019, and most of the work has been completed. The Port Authority plans to open part of the facility at the end of the year and the entire facility in 2023.

JFK Airport Renovation Developments

John F. Kennedy International Airport has a few renovation projects on schedule. Construction was supposed to begin in 2020, but the Port Authority delayed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction crews will not complete their projects until 2030 at the earliest, and there may be future delays. 

Terminal One

The Port Authority’s main project for JFK is to build a new Terminal One. Terminals 1 and 2 will be torn down and replaced with Terminal One. The terminal will have 23 gates and new amenities, including dining and recreational services. 

Construction on the terminal began this summer and is ongoing. The first stage of construction affects the arrivals and departures hall. Though the Port Authority is trying not to affect travel, you may encounter delays and long lines in the hall.

Terminal 4

Delta runs its operations out of Terminal 4. The airline is working with the Port Authority to redevelop Terminal 4, adding more space and gate areas for its customers. Construction is ongoing, and flights are still in operation in the terminal.

Terminal 6

JetBlue runs most of its operations out of Terminal 6. The airline is redeveloping Terminal 6, adding new gates and redeveloping the roadway near the terminal for easier access. The redevelopment will begin toward the end of this year, and there is no timeline for when it will end.

Terminal 8

Terminal 8 houses operations for American Airlines. American Airlines will add more than 70,000 square feet of space, including lounges and five widebody gates for transatlantic flights. Expansion on the terminal began in 2019, and work is still ongoing.

Travel Tips

Do not rush your travel plans. If you are traveling through Newark and want to avoid disruption, you should try to find a flight that goes out of Terminal B or C.

Terminal B handles JetBlue’s international operations as well as flights from Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit. Terminal C is exclusively for United Airlines. 

You should also avoid using the AirTrain until the new project is over. You can get ground transportation through a private car fleet. A car can drop you off at the airport, allowing you to avoid parking a car and using the under-construction garage. 

If you are traveling through JFK, you should find a flight out of a terminal that is not under construction. Terminals 5 and 7 are not being renovated. They house operations for JetBlue, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines. 

The Essentials of JFK and Newark Renovations

Newark and JFK Airport renovation projects are massive. Both airports are receiving new gates on the grounds of old terminals. Newark will receive a new AirTrain and parking garages and JFK will receive new amenities. 

Get the latest updates on renovations and use parts of the airport that construction crews are not building in. Give yourself extra time to get to the airport and go through security checkpoints. You should also rely on your own ground transportation. 

Travel in true luxury. Harrington Limo provides limos, shuttle buses, and sedans for travel to and from Newark, JFK, and surrounding area airports. Contact us today.