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The basics:

• Port Authority begins next construction phase of the $3.5B AirTrain Newark replacement
• Weekday outages between Airport Train Station and P4 start Jan. 15
• Shuttle buses will run every four to five minutes during suspensions
• New AirTrain system expects to launch passenger service in 2030

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is beginning the next major construction phase of the $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark replacement project.

The project will require temporary weekday service outages between Newark Liberty International Airport‘s Train Station and the P4 station.

Starting Jan. 15, PANYNJ will suspend AirTrain service between the Airport Train Station and P4 on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. During those hours, ADA-compliant shuttle buses will replace AirTrain service, running every four to five minutes. The shuttles will serve all airport terminals, rental car facilities and parking areas.

The agency said travelers should allow up to 15 additional minutes for trips during weekday outages. AirTrain service will continue to operate normally between P4, Terminal C, Terminal B, P3 and Terminal A. Additionally, it will run as usual on weekends.

‘Critical’ work

This construction phase focuses on building the new guideway and track structure linking the Airport Train Station with P4. Outages will pause during peak travel periods, including between Memorial Day and Labor Day, along with during the 2026 holiday season. Additional outages are planned in 2027 and 2028.

“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.”

Taking off in 2030

The new automated AirTrain system expects to begin passenger service in 2030. It will replace the existing system. Opened in 1996, the current infrastructure is now outdated, at capacity and unable to expand.

AirTrain ridership is projected to grow 50% by 2040. Meanwhile, Newark Liberty’s annual passenger volume has increased from about 30 million in 1996 to nearly 50 million in 2024.

The new system will boost daily capacity to 50,000 passengers. it will also provide more direct access to the airport’s terminals, including the new Terminal A.

The work marks one of several projects on the docket for the agency as part of its EWR Vision plan. The complete redevelopment of the airport began with the opening of the new Terminal A in 2023. Future plans include replacing the current Terminal B and enhancing Terminal C, and more.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, who is set to retire this month, said the project is essential to keeping pace with EWR’s growth for decades to come.

“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,” said Cotton.

Learn more about the changes in service here: