Visitors will have to wait a little longer to enjoy Newark’s stunning new Terminal A.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, watchdog Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)announced on Monday that it is delaying the opening of the new $2.7 billion facility.
The 1 million square foot terminal, originally scheduled to open on Thursday, December 8, will now welcome passengers starting early next year. The delay was attributed to some last-minute readiness tests related to the facility’s security and fire alarm systems.
While these systems are expected to be operational within the next few days, the Port Authority’s aviation partners have decided they do not want to open a new establishment just days before what is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons on record.
So instead of pushing the opening time a week or two ahead, the Port Authority will move the opening time to early January 2023.
In a statement, the agency’s director of corporate communications Thomas Pietrykoski shared that “although we were aiming to begin passenger operations at Newark’s new Terminal A on December 8, the system Fire alarms and security have yet to pass the final tests. We expect these issues to be resolved soon. In response to concerns raised by airlines about opening a complete facility. completely new during peak travel times over the holiday, the Port Authority will open the new Terminal A to the public in early January.”
terminal has has been active since 2018, and it ushered in a new era for the airport that was once considered one of the worst in the country. This is perhaps the biggest passenger upgrade for Newark, and it will be a major improvement over the outdated Terminal A, which will close with the opening of the new facility.
Of course, travelers passing through the airport in the coming weeks may be excited to check out the new facility, but a delay of about a month won’t have much, if any, effect on operations, particularly is when no airline has moved to the new terminal.
When it opens, Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and United Airlines (select flights only) will operate from the new Terminal A. Delta Air Lines plans to move to the new terminal when the second phase of construction opens next year.
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Despite the delays, visitors should definitely count down the days until the new facility opens. That’s because it brings a host of upgrades to the passenger experience.
This includes an overhauled and modernized check-in experience with centralized security, spacious new gate areas, and other world-class amenities, such as stunning art displays and multiple power outlets in each seat, will make traveling through Newark significantly more comfortable and efficient.
Be sure to check out TPG Detailed review first look to dive into all the upgrades.
