Newark Airport runway reopens ahead of schedule after major upgrades

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Newark Airport runway reopens ahead of schedule after major upgrades

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Newark Airport runway | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jun 5, 2025

On Friday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, announced that Runway 4L-22R at Newark Liberty International Airport would reopen two weeks ahead of schedule. The runway, which had been closed for planned rehabilitation, is set to resume regular operations on June 2.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to support efforts to restore airport capacity. The $121 million project began in early March, initially involving weekend and nighttime closures before transitioning to a full shutdown starting April 15. The closure was expected to last until June 15.

Governor Murphy noted that the Port Authority collaborated with contractors to accelerate development at Newark Liberty Airport despite operational challenges. This initiative is part of a multi-billion-dollar investment by the Port Authority aimed at improving passenger areas, taxiways, and runways as part of the EWR Vision Plan.

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The completed rehabilitation on Runway 4L-22R involved various upgrades including drainage, lighting, and pavement enhancements. To minimize disruptions, the Port Authority coordinated the closure with the FAA and airlines over a year in advance.

Upgrades also include improvements to telecommunications infrastructure. Verizon has signed a $2.4 billion contract with the FAA for enhancing air traffic control (ATC) operations over 15 years. US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on X (Twitter), "The new runway at Newark Liberty International Airport finished nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Amazing job @PANYNJ! They’ve been great partners."

Since April 28, Newark Airport has faced several operational challenges leading to high numbers of delayed or canceled flights due to ATC communication issues. NPR reported that outages ranged from 30 to 90 seconds during critical flight phases.

Newark's challenges are similar to those faced by the broader ATC network including underinvestment in aging systems and a staffing shortage exceeding 3,000 controllers. A whistleblower suggested recent problems might be linked to shifting ATC authority from Long Island to Philadelphia last year.

In response, the Port Authority has developed a Vision Plan aimed at transforming Newark International into a top-tier facility by addressing traffic congestion and infrastructure issues while promoting sustainable operations through an iterative process involving stakeholders.

An important milestone in these efforts was reached with the opening of Terminal A in 2023. Named as the world's best new airport terminal by Skytrax in 2024, it offers insight into future developments at EWR as outlined by the Port Authority.