The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has officially broken ground on a $3.5 billion project to replace Newark Liberty International Airport’s aging AirTrain system. The long-awaited development marks the start of construction on a modern, 2.5-mile automated people mover designed to handle the airport’s rapid growth and deliver a more reliable travel experience for millions of passengers.
The new AirTrain Newark will replace the existing system, which first opened in 1996 and is now nearing the end of its useful life. Once complete, the new system will carry up to 50,000 passengers per day, a major increase from the current 33,000 daily riders. It will connect directly to the airport’s new, award-winning Terminal A, and will be fully integrated with regional rail lines, parking, and future terminals. As noted among ongoing rail projects in the USA, the AirTrain Newark upgrade exemplifies the nation’s commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving mobility in major metropolitan hubs. Service is expected to begin in 2030.
A Key Piece of Newark Liberty’s Transformation
The AirTrain project is a cornerstone of the Port Authority’s wider plan to redevelop Newark Liberty International Airport into a world-class gateway for the region. The plan includes new terminals, upgraded taxiways, and a redesigned roadway network that makes navigation faster and easier for travelers.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called the project a major investment in the state’s transportation future. “Newark Airport is the front door to our region – and modernizing the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state,” he said.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole described the groundbreaking as “another milestone in the complete transformation of Newark Liberty.” He added that the new AirTrain “is about more than just replacing outdated infrastructure. It’s about building the capacity, reliability, and customer experience that millions of travelers will depend on for decades to come.”
Expanding Capacity and Reliability
The agency is designing the new system for flexibility and long-term growth. AirTrain ridership will grow by 50 percent by 2040. This growth stems from passenger demand that has already surged to nearly 50 million travelers per year. Meanwhile, the existing 1990s-era system cannot expand or upgrade to meet future needs. In contrast, the new AirTrain will feature three new stations and smoother transfers. Additionally, the Newark AirTrain replacement project will include technology that can scale with demand.
According to Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, the AirTrain “will improve access to the airport, support its continued growth, and knit together the airport’s terminals, rail links, and parking into a modern, unified system.”
The system’s route eliminates the 15-minute walk currently required to reach Terminal A and was engineered with future airport expansion in mind. Planning is already underway for a new Terminal B to replace the airport’s 52-year-old existing terminal.
Building for the Future
The Port Authority is delivering the new AirTrain through multiple contracts with global infrastructure partners.
First, officials selected Doppelmayr in late 2023 to design, build, operate, and maintain the new people mover. The company is a leading manufacturer of cable-propelled transit systems.
Next, Stantec joined the project in 2024. The firm will design the maintenance and control facility and pedestrian connectors. It will also decommission the current system.
Later that year, the agency awarded the design-build contract for the 2.5-mile elevated rail guideway and three new stations. The Tutor Perini/O&G joint venture won this contract.
The Port Authority has emphasized workforce inclusion, requiring contractors to engage local and small businesses and to develop a locally based training and hiring program. These efforts are supported through the agency’s PA Build, Business Capacity, and General Maintainers programs, which prepare residents for construction and maintenance jobs tied to the AirTrain project. Partnerships with Rutgers and Kean Universities are also expanding educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in engineering and transportation.
Modern Transit for a Modern Airport
The new AirTrain will be a vital link between airport terminals, NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor rail lines, and ground transportation options. The Port Authority also plans to test autonomous electric shuttles in 2026. As part of its broader effort to integrate emerging mobility technologies into airport operations. These pilot programs build on earlier trials conducted at both Newark and JFK airports over the past three years.
Local leaders see the AirTrain as an investment not just in infrastructure but in people. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka noted that the project “reflects Newark’s growing prominence as both a destination and a global transportation hub,” while Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage emphasized that it “creates new opportunities for local residents through hiring and workforce development.”
A Step Toward a World-Class Gateway
The AirTrain replacement is one of several major investments now reshaping Newark Liberty International Airport. Following the 2023 opening of Terminal A, the Port Authority’s EWR Vision Plan continues to guide redevelopment across terminals, taxiways, and roadway systems to meet modern air travel demands. The plan also includes a new entryway to the airport’s rail station, improving access for communities in Newark and Elizabeth.
Now, shovels are hitting the ground. The Newark AirTrain Replacement Project stands as both a symbol of progress and a promise of reliability for decades to come. Importantly, this project now joins other massive passenger rail modernization projects underway across the US.
Newark AirTrain Replacement Project
Project Value: $3.5 billion
Scope: Design, build, operate, and maintain a new 2.5-mile automated people mover system to replace the existing 1996 AirTrain
Key Features:
3 new stations with direct connection to Terminal A
Capacity for 50,000 passengers/day (up from 33,000)
Integrated access to NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, parking, and terminals
Timeline: Construction underway; service launch expected 2030
Key Contractors:
Doppelmayr – System design, build, operations & maintenance
Stantec – Maintenance facility, pedestrian connectors, decommissioning
Tutor Perini/O&G JV – Elevated guideway and stations
Owner: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Purpose: Support Newark Liberty’s transformation into a world-class gateway, accommodate 50M+ annual passengers, and enable future airport expansion through 2040
