New York City airports brace for record passenger numbers in upcoming year

Spending on aviation-related activities will increase by approximately $488 million, including significant investments in redeveloping New York-JFK. McCarthy highlighted challenges faced due to a pandemic-induced $3 billion revenue shortfall compounded by inflationary pressures, leading to "limited toll adjustments" at bridges and tunnels.

In 2023, the four airports welcomed 144.1 million travelers, marking a 12.4% increase year-on-year. Domestic travelers numbered 95.1 million while international passengers totaled 49 million.

As of October 31, the airports recorded passenger traffic of 122.1 million, slightly up by 1.3% from the previous year’s same period. Airlines scheduled fewer weekly flights for November and December but increased weekly seat availability compared to those months in 2023.

For early 2025, airlines have planned for more flights than in early 2024—a rise of about 0.6% year-on-year.

Potential disruptions are anticipated at Newark-Liberty due to runway repairs scheduled throughout various periods in March-April and September-December weekends in 2025.

"Due to the volume of flights arriving and departing EWR," said an official statement regarding potential impacts during runway closures affecting carriers' operational reliability.

The Federal Aviation Administration has granted relief allowing airlines to reduce operations without losing historical scheduling rights at Newark-Liberty as well as other major U.S airports including Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with limited waivers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).