Closed runway at Newark Liberty International Airport to open ahead of schedule

Runway 4L-22R at Newark Liberty International Airport could be open as soon as next week, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on Friday.

The 11,000-foot runway has been closed since mid-April for a scheduled $121M upgrade for repaving, to improve lighting and drainage, and update airfield signs. While the runway was closed, the airport relied on only two other runways, one of which cannot be used under adverse wind conditions. The closure compounded existing delays at the airport and exacerbated ongoing disruptions caused by air traffic control issues over the past month.

Airport runways are typically repaved every 10 years. Newark’s other main runway, 4R-22L was last rehabilitated in 2021.

“As other issues have arisen related to Newark Liberty’s capacity, the Port Authority took on the challenge to speed up the construction,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

Added Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, “As we approach the busy summer travel season, this key milestone puts us on a path to further reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and ensuring a seamless travel experience. With the runway completed, we’ll continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improving the staffing pipeline for the airspace.”

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