The basics:

• Newark Liberty launches redesigned website with AI travel assistant
• Travelers can access flight updates, security wait times, parking information
• Port Authority also upgrades websites for JFK, LaGuardia, Stewart airports
• Future updates will add personalized trip planning

Travelers flying through Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey‘s three other commercial airports now have a new digital tool designed to make navigating the airport experience easier before they even arrive.

The Port Authority announced July 15 the launch of redesigned websites that feature airport-specific artificial intelligence assistants providing real-time travel information, personalized guidance and quick answers to common passenger questions.

The upgraded websites are available for:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): newarkairport.com
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): jfkairport.com
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA): laguardiaairport.com
• New York Stewart International Airport (SWF): swfny.com

The new websites focus on simplifying the traveler experience. The changes help passengers quickly find information, such as security wait times, flight updates, parking availability, dining options, accessibility services and airport amenities.

Navigating EWR

For Newark Liberty travelers, the website and AI assistant provide airport-specific guidance on everything from terminal information and current operations to food options, pet relief areas, prayer rooms, accessibility accommodations and wayfinding.

The assistant can also provide flight information and security wait times without requiring users to leave the airport website or open another browser window.

“Having a virtual assistant embedded into our airport websites gives travelers an easy one-stop shop for their questions about a particular airport, which is what digitally savvy travelers expect from their online search experiences,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said in a statement. “A truly useful website and web search shouldn’t require multiple click-throughs and endless scrolling.”

Airport-specific sites

The AI assistants are among the first airport website tools in the country built specifically for individual airports. Each assistant is trained on information unique to its airport, allowing travelers to receive more relevant answers while avoiding confusion caused by one-size-fits-all search results.

The assistants are designed to function as an ongoing conversation. They remember previous questions during an interaction and tailor responses based on a traveler’s needs. For instance, a passenger traveling with children, requiring accessibility assistance or looking for a specific type of meal can receive guidance customized to those circumstances.

“Our new airport websites make it easier to find information when you need it, without an online scavenger hunt that may or may not be updated,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “We rebuilt our airport websites with the goal of helping first-time visitors coming here this summer for World Cup games and America250 events to navigate our airports.”

Garcia said the upgrades will also help frequent travelers discover new options across the Port Authority’s airport network.

“Locals who usually favor one specific airport in our large airport network will also find it useful to learn where they can get a Taylor Ham breakfast sandwich at Newark Liberty as a change from their usual New York bagel at JFK,” she said.

Streamlining air travel

More airport upgrades

British Airways recently announced a $15 million project to redevelop its space at Newark airport. See more here.

Port Authority airport experts developed and trained the AI technology using curated information from airport operations, federal transportation agencies, live flight data, concessions information and travel services. The assistants also draw from sources such as the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and CLEAR travel assistance information.

It does not process payments, make purchases or store personally identifiable information from traveler interactions.

“The airport experience begins before customers even arrive at our airports, so it was important to provide customers with website tools that make travel as simple and streamlined as possible,” said Sarah McKeon, director of aviation at the Port Authority. “Researching the airport before a customer arrives can help to alleviate the anxiety of unfamiliar environments.”

Helping first-timers

McKeon said the new digital tools are especially valuable for first-time visitors.

“Our upgraded websites and their AI assistants make planning easier, especially for anyone who has never been here before,” she said.

The website upgrades come as the Port Authority continues major physical transformations across its airport system, as NJBIZ has reported on. Newark Liberty opened its new Terminal A in January 2023, a facility that later received a perfect rating from Skytrax. Plans are currently underway for the redevelopment of the rest of the airport.

The Port Authority largely completed LaGuardia’s transformation in 2022. It has since received international recognition, including being named the world’s best new airport by UNESCO’s Prix Versailles.

JFK International Airport is undergoing a $19 billion modernization effort featuring new terminals, renovated facilities and redesigned roadways. New York Stewart International Airport continues to receive infrastructure investments while offering travelers an alternative with shorter security waits and streamlined customs processing.

The Port Authority says it plans to add more digital features in future updates, including live AirTrain JFK departure information and personalized airport experience planners that can recommend services based on traveler needs.