Newark Airport reopens runway ahead of schedule after extensive upgrades

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Newark Airport reopens runway ahead of schedule after extensive upgrades

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Newark Airport | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Jun 5, 2025

United States officials have announced the early reopening of Newark Liberty International Airport's runway 4L/22R. The rehabilitation was completed almost two weeks ahead of schedule. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) brought in additional crews to ensure the timely reopening.

Currently, the runway is only available for departures while final checks and tests are being conducted. It is expected to fully reopen for both arrivals and departures by the week of June 9. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that PANYNJ completed paving a new surface, updating lighting, improving airfield signs, and installing new electrical infrastructure on June 2.

The FAA noted that the airport will maintain a maximum arrival rate of 28 aircraft per hour until checks are complete, after which it will increase to 34 aircraft per hour.

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At a press conference at Newark International, Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation, highlighted the early completion alongside Chris Rocheleau from the FAA, Scott Kirby from United Airlines, and Sarah McKeon from PANYNJ. Duffy praised the Port Authority and labor unions for their round-the-clock work to meet the deadline ahead of time.

Duffy also addressed recent issues at Newark International with air traffic control systems failing multiple times in April and May. In response, Verizon installed a new fiber optic cable between New York TRACON and Philadelphia TRACON within a month. Six controllers are currently on leave due to stress-related issues.

Temporary measures were implemented by the FAA and airlines like United Airlines to reduce capacity during construction. Post-construction rates will increase but runway closures will continue on weeknights from September to December for further rehabilitation work.

Scott Kirby expressed gratitude towards various stakeholders for their support during operational challenges at Newark International.