$110M Expansion Plan At Newark Airport Fueled By Surging Passenger Volumes

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has greenlighted another major construction project at the busy airport.

By Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff

Sep 29, 2026 12:04 PM EDT

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has authorized $110 million for two construction projects at Terminal A in Newark Airport. (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)

NEWARK, NJ — Another major expansion is in the works at Newark Airport as passenger volume surges by the millions.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners recently authorized $110 million for two construction projects at Terminal A.

Two gates will be added in a $100 million southern expansion, which are expected to open in 2029. Meanwhile, six gates will be added in a $10 million northern expansion, a phased opening that will begin in 2030.

The latest plans mark another big investment at Terminal A – but it's urgently needed, officials say.

When the Port Authority opened the $2.7 billion terminal in 2023, it was designed to account for potential expansion. Just a year later, the terminal was being used by nearly 18 million passengers – about 40 percent more than originally projected.

Now, it's time to grow again, Port Authority chair Kevin O'Toole said.

"We left room for growth back then, and now after the terminal shattered passenger forecasts, it's time to make good on those ambitions," O'Toole said.

Both projects are expected to generate significant economic activity that will help defray the construction costs, the Port Authority said:

"Including indirect and induced effects, the total economic impact of the southern expansion amounts to 750 job-years, $76.6 million in wages and $173 million in economic activity. Initial planning work for the northern expansion is projected to reach 70 job-years, $7.7 million in wages and $17.3 million in economic activity."

The plan got a thumbs-up from Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

"Terminal A has set a new standard and attracted far more passengers than anticipated," Sherrill said. "This expansion will help us meet that demand and the needs of those travelers, create good-paying jobs, and continue building the modern, world-class airport New Jerseyans deserve."

The expansion plans advance the Port Authority's EWR Vision Plan, which includes a new Terminal B and new AirTrain system.

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