At a Jan. 12 anniversary ceremony, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey marked the first year of operations at Newark Liberty International Airport‘s new Terminal A, which served 15 million passengers in year one.

The $2.7 billion, 1 million-square-foot terminal opened in phases throughout 2023, replacing the outdated, 50-year-old former Terminal A and becoming fully operational in September with all 33 gates in use.

That 15 million passenger mark was 5 million higher than in any year at the old terminal and 1 million passengers above initial projections, boosting total passenger volumes last year at Newark Liberty to an all-time high of 49.1 million.

Some other notable stats from the first year of operations at the new Terminal A include:

• More than 113,000 flights arrived or departed from the terminal
• 4 million bags were processed
• At 20% larger than the one it replaced, the new terminal increased total air travel volumes at Newark Liberty by 6% over the previous record high (in 2019) and approximately 12% over total passenger levels in 2022
• The terminal has created 2,500 direct jobs so far – with an economic impact of $4.6 billion across the region, according to the Port Authority

As NJBIZ has reported, the new terminal has already been recognized with prestigious awards and honors, including most recently winning a 2023 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Prix Versailles Special Prize for the terminal’s exterior.

The project represented the Port Authority’s largest ever single investment in New Jersey – and the state’s largest design-build project.

Features at Terminal A include:

• State-of-the-art amenities and digital technology;
• Local artwork – showcasing a public art program of 29 local artists focusing on Garden State culture;
• Jersey-centric dining and retail options across a total 54 establishments, including six locally owned and operated concessionaires from Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City;
• Family-friendly features, such as a children’s lending library and a play area with track and ropes course;
• A brand-new sensory room that offers travelers with disabilities and their families a calm space; and
• Outside of Terminal A, a new consolidated rent-a-car (ConRAC) facility that opened in November, which houses all of the airport’s rental car companies.

More amenities on the way include a multifaith space; a business center; an accessibility room with an adult changing table; and a 17,000-square-foot American Express Centurion Lounge that will open in 2026.

Exceeding expectations

“Beyond its distinguishing architecture, operational efficiency and top-tier customer amenities, we’re gratified to see that one year in, Terminal A has also given New Jersey an economic shot in the arm,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This terminal supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, and most importantly, it gives New Jersey a world-class gateway it can proudly show off to the world.”

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said the first year has been a resounding success.

“Almost beyond our wildest expectations, shattering passenger volume records and collecting an eye-popping array of awards and recognitions,” said Cotton. “This new terminal reflects our agency’s high standards for best-in-class design and customer experience as we continue our historic $30 billion airport redevelopment work across New Jersey and New York.”

“Terminal A is an economic engine for the City of Elizabeth from increasing parking revenues to increasing hotel rooms and jobs for our residents,” said Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage. “Ancillary employment in hospitality, service industry and car rentals employ many from Elizabeth.”

Michael Kunz, CEO of Munich Airport NJ LLC, the operator of Terminal A, thanked the entire community for a great year.

“MANJ has enjoyed a front-row seat to the planning, construction, implementation of art and amenities, and the daily operations of this world-class facility,” said Kunz. “It has been a great honor to partner with the Port Authority, the airlines, and all the terminal stakeholders in creating an amazing experience for the 15 million passengers traveling through Terminal A last year, and we look forward to building on these successes and partnerships well into the future.”