The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has approved additional funding to begin the planning process for the redevelopment of Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The action marks the first major step in executing the newly unveiled EWR Vision Plan, which serves as a wide-ranging blueprint setting the course for the Newark Liberty International Airport’s development into a modern, world-class international gateway befitting the region.

Combined with remaining funds from an earlier allocation, the $55 million will be directed toward preliminary design work for a new Terminal B, as well as assessing related utility and infrastructure needs. The new terminal would replace the current Terminal B, which opened in 1973 and has struggled to meet evolving passenger and industry needs. When it opened, the terminal was designed to serve approximately 6.8 million annual passengers. In 2023, it handled about 12.3 million passengers.

“With the EWR Vision Plan in place, we are wasting no time getting the ball rolling on the planning for a new world-class Terminal B,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This funding will allow us to start initial planning work on a new modern Terminal B, including developing a funding strategy, and explore how it fits into the larger redevelopment of Newark Liberty that aims to elevate this airport into one of the best in the world.”

“A world-class travel experience starts with a world-class plan, which we’re excited to kick off the preliminary design phase of Newark Liberty’s Terminal B,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This funding will allow us to develop a roadmap to deliver a new Terminal B to match the award-winning Terminal A. The robust accolades received at Newark and LaGuardia – along with the major construction happening across JFK’s footprint – demonstrates that the Port Authority is more than capable of delivering best-in-class airport facilities.”

The construction of a new Terminal B is the centerpiece of the EWR Vision Plan, unveiled this month in the airport’s new Terminal A. The EWR Vision Plan was developed with design firm Arup and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, charting a comprehensive reimagining of the rest of the airport that will feature modern terminals and infrastructure, a more intuitive roadway network, and a redesigned taxiway network to accommodate aircraft more efficiently and reduce delays. The blueprint enables the airport to handle future growth, while serving the evolving needs of passengers, airlines, and the surrounding community. It was developed following extensive outreach with airport tenants, operational partners and the public.

The newly approved funding of $35 million will be combined with $20 million in remaining funds from the Board’s previously approved funding for the vision plan in October 2019. The $55 million will be allocated toward preliminary planning and assessment work on the needs of a new terminal, determining feasible financing strategies and beginning outreach efforts across community and government partners. It will also examine how the new airport elements will incorporate ongoing projects, such as the replacement of the existing AirTrain system with a state-of-the-art automated system and the creation of a new access point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station for underserved neighborhoods in Newark and Elizabeth.

A future Terminal B will build on the success of the airport’s new Terminal A, which has received multiple industry accolades, such as the world’s best new airport terminal in 2024 by the renowned evaluation firm Skytrax.

Credit: New Jersey Business Magazine