Next Phase of $3.5B AirTrain Newark Replacement Project Begins

On Jan 13, 2026

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the start of the next major phase of construction on the new AirTrain Newark system, with work beginning on the guideway and track structure between the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station and the P4 station.

This phase of construction will require ongoing weekday service outages between the P4 station and the Airport Train Station that links to Northeast Corridor (NEC) services for NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak. To maintain connectivity during the outage, the Port Authority will operate a robust shuttle bus system serving all airport terminals, rental car facilities, and parking locations.

The new $3.5 billion automated system will replace the existing AirTrain, which opened in 1996 and has become outdated, over capacity, and unable to accommodate Newark Liberty’s rapid growth. The new system will have the ability to handle 50,000 passengers per day, up from the current system’s 33,000-passenger capacity. Its route will allow for easier access to the new Terminal A, eliminating the current 15-minute walk between the AirTrain station and the terminal. It is expected to begin first passenger service in 2030.

“Replacing AirTrain Newark is critical to the future of Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This next phase of construction moves that work from planning to visible progress, while ensuring travelers continue to have reliable ways to reach terminals, parking, and transit connections during construction.”

“This project is about building a system that can keep pace with Newark Liberty’s growth for decades to come,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We appreciate passengers’ patience during these temporary changes, enabling us to advance construction of a modern, high-capacity AirTrain that will deliver a smoother, more dependable experience for millions of passengers each year.”

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