The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has approved $55 million in funding to begin planning the replacement of Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The investment marks a significant milestone in the broader redevelopment of the airport and the execution of the newly unveiled EWR Vision Plan, a comprehensive strategy to transform Newark Liberty into a world-class international hub.

The funding includes $35 million in new funding, combined with $20 million from a prior allocation. It will be used for preliminary design work and infrastructure assessments to replace the aging Terminal B, which has struggled to meet the growing demands of passengers and airlines. Originally built in 1973 for 6.8 million annual travelers, the terminal served over 12 million passengers in 2023.

“Today’s action is a major step in turning our vision for Newark Liberty into a reality,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said in a statement. “With the EWR Vision Plan in place, we are moving quickly to begin planning for a new Terminal B. This funding will help us develop a clear path forward, allowing us to design a terminal that meets the needs of today’s travelers and elevates Newark Liberty as one of the world’s best airports.”

The construction of a new Terminal B is the centerpiece of the EWR Vision Plan, which was unveiled earlier this month. Developed in partnership with design firm Arup and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the plan outlines a series of upgrades to modernize the airport’s terminals, roads, and taxiways. The plan aims to improve capacity, reduce delays, and enhance the overall passenger experience.

“This funding enables us to take the first steps toward a new Terminal B that will match the exceptional experience passengers now enjoy at Terminal A,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “The accolades Terminal A has received, including being named the world’s best new airport terminal by Skytrax in 2024, demonstrate the Port Authority’s ability to deliver world-class facilities.”

The redevelopment of Terminal B will also include improvements to the airport’s transit infrastructure, including the replacement of the existing AirTrain system with a modern automated people mover and the construction of a new access point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. These upgrades will provide enhanced transit options for underserved communities in Newark and Elizabeth.

The $55 million allocation will fund planning, design work, and the assessment of financing strategies for the new terminal. Additionally, outreach will begin with community and government partners to ensure the project meets the needs of travelers and the surrounding region.

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.

Credits: New York Construction Report