Newark Airport Unveils New Terminal A: Touchless Security, Crowd-Pleasers Abound

Newark Liberty International Airport unveiled a massive new Terminal A Tuesday to replace an outdated one that has been in use for 50 years.

Construction on the new one-million-square-foot terminal, which is about 20 percent bigger than the one it is replacing, started back in 2018. It features amenities aimed at pleasing passengers, including four lanes of drop-offs and pick-ups at curbs. It also has touchless security and boarding experiences, as well as the most-advanced TSA scanners in the nation.

It even has four different themed bathrooms. Yes, themed bathrooms.

As part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $2.7 billion Newark Liberty Airport redevelopment program, the new Terminal A also showcases the work of 29 local artists, the agency announced Monday. Everywhere in the terminal are reminders of New Jersey — such as the Garden State Market, which will be sourcing sandwiches and other grab and go foods from businesses all over north Jersey.

"Local businesses here in Jersey City, some in Paramus and Lyndhurst as well, so we’re making sure we’re definitely using a lot of locals," said Master Concessionaire Julie Demario.

The innovative public art program is part of Port Authority's overall plan to transform the customer experience at Newark Liberty through inspirational public art, operational excellence, state-of-the-art technology and world-class functionality.

"Unprecedented in its magnitude and potential impact, Port Authority’s transformation of Terminal A will result in a space that is quintessentially New Jersey,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement Monday.

"The newly redeveloped Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport will amplify the best of New Jersey,” First Lady Tammy Murphy also said in a statement. “Not only will the upgraded and expanded systems and facilities be more efficient in keeping with our innovation ecosystem, but the breadth and depth of New Jersey innovation, arts, history and culture will be on display welcoming millions of travelers annually and showcasing our diverse and inclusive state.”

The new terminal will accommodate an estimated 13.6 million passengers annually on three levels. A covered pedestrian bridge will provide direct access for passengers to the public parking garage and the new centralized rental car facilities. The terminal is expected to generate more than $4.6 billion for the regional economy, create more than 23,000 jobs and provide more than $1.9 billion in wages, according to the Port Authority.

In the years ahead, Port Authority is hoping that terminals B and C will also be torn down and rebuilt like the new one.

As for the airport's notorious reputation for being among the most-delayed in the country every year, there is no room for more runways, but the Port Authority expects to find more efficiencies on the ground — including extra space for planes to taxi and common gates that any airline can use. The agency hopes that will help relieve some of the pain so many have experienced while traveling there.

The terminal will open to travelers after the Thanksgiving crush, with nearly three dozen new gates eventually opening when the last few are finished. It was not clear if all gates will be open in time for the holiday travel rush. According to AAA, out of the 55 million people expected to travel over the holiday season, nearly 49 million are expected to drive, 4.5 million are expected to fly, and 1.4 million will be traveling by bus, train or cruise ship.

Experts also shared how to avoid any transportation sticker shock.

"We are going to see airfares well over $400, probably many over $1,000, especially those coastal flights from East to West Coast and back," Hayley Berg, of Hopper Travel said. "What we recommend if you haven't booked your Thanksgiving or Christmas travel yet, book now! Prices will not get better, there will be fewer deals available, and there will be fewer seats available to book the longer you wait."