Runway Operations At Newark Airport: How Many Are There?

Newark Liberty International Airport has three runways: 4L/22R, 4R/22L, and 11/29. Runway 4L/22R is 11,000 feet long and is used for takeoffs, while 4R/22L is 10,000 feet long and is used for landings. The third runway, 11/29, is 6,726 feet long and is used by smaller aircraft or when there are strong crosswinds on the two main runways.

There have been proposals to build a fourth runway at the airport, but this would require significant investment and present major environmental challenges for adjacent communities and ecosystems.

Runway 4R-22L closed for construction in 2021

Runway 4R-22L at Newark Liberty International Airport, which is owned by the City of Newark and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was closed for construction in 2021. The runway handles nearly half of the flight activity at the airport, which is one of the busiest in the country.

The closure was part of an $84.2 million capital project to improve the airfield's durability and resilience to extreme weather. The project included milling and repaving the asphalt surface, replacing ground lighting equipment, signage, and circuits, and installing new constant current regulators.

To minimise the impact on airport operations, the construction was divided into two phases. A temporary runway was put in place during a 35-day closure of critical intersections RW 11-29 and RW 4R-22L, allowing the airport to operate near full capability. Pre-purchasing materials helped shorten the project schedule and avoid potential risks to air travel. The runway closure portion of the project was completed in October 2021, five days ahead of schedule.

Newark Liberty International Airport has three runways: 4L/22R, 4R/22L, and 11/29. Runway 4L/22R is primarily used for takeoffs, while 4R/22L is mainly used for landings, and 11/29 caters to smaller aircraft or when there are strong crosswinds affecting the two main runways.

Runway 4L-22R is used for departing traffic

The airport has three runways, with Runway 4L-22R being the longest at 11,000 feet. This runway is primarily used for takeoffs, while the parallel Runway 4R-22L is used for landings. The third runway, 11-29, is used by smaller aircraft or when there are strong crosswinds affecting the two main runways.

The use of Runway 4L-22R for departures is based on practical considerations. By using this runway, departing aircraft can taxi straight from the gate and take off without having to wait to cross another runway. This helps to streamline operations and reduce delays.

Additionally, the separation between the two parallel runways at Newark Airport is relatively small compared to other major airports in the US. The 950-foot distance between Runways 4L and 4R is the fourth-smallest separation of any major US airport, after San Francisco International, Los Angeles International, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports.

The selection of departure and arrival runways at Newark Airport, however, is not always set in stone. While Runway 4L-22R is typically used for departures, the choice can be influenced by wind conditions and air traffic patterns in the wider New York City area. When the winds are strong and gusty, or during periods of high arrival rates, Runway 11-29 may be utilised for landings or departures, especially by smaller aircraft.

The efficient use of Runway 4L-22R for departures helps to accommodate the high volume of air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport, ensuring smooth and timely operations for both departing and arriving flights.

Runway 11-29 is used for smaller aircraft

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. Located approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of downtown Newark and 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Manhattan, the airport is jointly owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth, and leased to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The airport is the second-busiest in the New York airport system, behind John F. Kennedy International Airport, and handles a large volume of air traffic. During 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, and its busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers.

Newark Airport's three runways are:

• 4L/22R: 11,000 ft (3,353 m) in length, used for departures.
• 4R/22L: 10,000 ft (3,048 m) in length, used for arrivals.
• 11/29: 6,726 ft (2,050 m) in length, used for smaller aircraft and when there are strong crosswinds affecting the two main runways.

The two main runways, 4L/22R and 4R/22L, are only 950 ft (290 m) apart, the fourth-smallest separation of major runways in the U.S. Runway 11-29 is located at the north side of the airport, running between east and west.

Due to the high volume of air traffic and the relatively small size of the airport, runway configurations that allow for simultaneous arrivals and departures can increase efficiency. When runway 11-29 is used for arrivals and runway 4L-22R is used for departures, operations run relatively smoothly, although the intersecting configuration of the two runways results in additional downtime.

In addition to the three runways, the airport also has a helipad, Helipad H1, which is used by a helicopter service that provides transportation to and from the airport from a heliport in New York City.

Runway 11-29 is too risky to use on windy days

Runway 11-29 at Newark Liberty International Airport is too risky to use on windy days. The airport, which is located in New Jersey, just outside New York City, has three runways: 4L/22R, 4R/22L, and 11/29. The first two runways are longer and are used for most flights, while the third runway, 11/29, is shorter and primarily used by smaller aircraft or when there are strong crosswinds affecting the other two runways.

On days with stronger winds, using Runway 11-29 to land planes is too dangerous. This is because the runway is shorter and located on the north side of the airport, running between east and west. When winds are strong, it becomes challenging to safely land planes on this runway due to the increased risk of accidents.

Additionally, the airport's proximity to other airports and densely populated areas further complicates the situation. The airspace is tight, and landing on Runway 11-29 requires careful navigation to avoid potential obstacles. The transition to final approach can be particularly challenging, with numerous lights from nearby areas that can be confusing for pilots, especially at night.

Therefore, on windy days, air traffic controllers avoid using Runway 11-29 for landings to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and people on the ground. Instead, they may opt for other runways or adjust flight schedules to minimize the impact of windy conditions.

Runway 11-29 is one of the three runways built during World War II and has a length of 6,726 feet. While it plays a crucial role in managing air traffic at Newark Airport, particularly during crosswinds, its use is carefully assessed to balance operational efficiency and safety considerations.

Runway 4L-22R is used for landing planes

Runway 4L-22R is primarily used for takeoffs, while its parallel runway, 4R-22L, is typically used for landings. This configuration is designed to optimise operations, allowing for efficient departures and arrivals. The runways are positioned to accommodate varying wind conditions, with the ability to handle north and south flows.

The selection of runways for landing and takeoff is influenced by several factors, including wind direction, air traffic, and operational considerations. Wind plays a significant role, as it can impact the performance and safety of aircraft during critical phases of flight. By utilising specific runways, such as Runway 4L-22R, airports can ensure that aircraft operate within favourable wind conditions, enhancing overall efficiency and safety.

Runway 4L-22R is an essential component of Newark Liberty International Airport's operations, contributing to the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. Its length and orientation make it suitable for larger aircraft and provide flexibility in managing air traffic. The use of this runway helps maintain the airport's status as a major transportation hub, facilitating connections to destinations worldwide.

Additionally, Runway 4L-22R has undergone improvements to enhance its functionality. In 2014, the Port Authority completed a rehabilitation project on the runway, investing $97 million. This project included the addition of four new taxiways, reducing delays and improving the overall efficiency of aircraft movements.

Frequently asked questions