
The airport code EWR refers to Newark Liberty International Airport, which is located in the US state of New Jersey. The airport is a major hub serving the New York metropolitan area and is one of the busiest airports in the country. EWR has a unique airport code due to the Navy reserving all codes starting with N when airport codes switched from two letters to three.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| IATA Code | EWR |
| ICAO Code | KEWR |
| FAA LID | EWR |
| Location | Newark, New Jersey |
| Serving | Newark & New York |
| Elevation | 18 ft |
| Coordinates | 40° 41' 24" N , 74° 10' 42" W |
| Number of Passengers in 2022 | 43.4 million |
| Busiest Year | 2023 (49.1 million passengers) |
| Carriers | 50 |
| Largest Hub For | United Airlines |
| Number of Buildings | 3 |
| Area of Buildings | 2 million square feet (0.19 km2) |
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What You'll Learn
- EWR stands for Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey
- The IATA code for Newark Airport is EWR
- The Navy reserved all codes starting with N when airport codes switched to three letters
- EWR is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system
- EWR Vision is a development plan for the airport that will continue through 2065

EWR stands for Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey
The airport has the IATA airport code EWR, rather than a designation that begins with the letter 'N', because the designator "NEW" is already assigned to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, and the Department of the Navy uses three-letter identifiers beginning with N for its purposes. When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with N, so Newark used the other letters in its name to make EWR.
Newark Liberty International Airport is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. It is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system, behind John F. Kennedy International Airport, and ahead of LaGuardia Airport. During 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, making it the 13th-busiest airport in the nation and the 23rd-busiest airport in the world. The busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers. Newark Liberty International serves 50 carriers and is the largest hub for United Airlines, which serves about 63% of passengers at EWR.
The airport has parallel runways (4L and 4R) that are 950 feet (290 m) apart, the fourth-smallest separation of major airports in the US. Unlike JFK and LaGuardia, which are located directly next to large bodies of water, Newark Airport and its runways are completely landlocked. However, it is located just across Interstate 95 from Newark Bay and not far from the Hudson River. The airport features a uniform style of color-coded signage throughout, designed by Paul Mijksenaar.
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The IATA code for Newark Airport is EWR
The airport's IATA code, EWR, is not based on the name of the city it serves, but rather on the name "Liberty." When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with the letter "N." Since NEW" was already assigned to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, and the Department of the Navy uses three-letter identifiers beginning with "N," the airport's code could not start with that letter. Therefore, "Liberty" was used as the basis for the code, with the first letter of each word used to create the unique identifier, EWR.
Newark Liberty International Airport is a major hub, serving as a gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. It is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system, after John F. Kennedy International Airport, and it served 43.4 million passengers in 2022. The airport features parallel runways, with a separation of 950 feet, the fourth-smallest among major US airports. It is also unique in that it is landlocked, unlike other New York-area airports that are located next to bodies of water.
The airport has undergone recent developments, including the completion of the new Terminal A in January 2023, and plans to replace the old AirTrain by 2029. These improvements are part of the EWR Vision, aiming to create a World-Class Gateway for New Jersey and drive long-term economic growth. Newark Airport is well-regarded by travellers for its friendly staff, cleanliness, and good selection of shops.
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The Navy reserved all codes starting with N when airport codes switched to three letters
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issues airport codes to help distinguish one airport from another. When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with the letter N. This meant that Newark Liberty International Airport, located in Newark, New Jersey, was unable to use the code NEW, as it was already assigned to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans. Instead, the airport uses the code EWR.
Newark Liberty International Airport is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. The airport is jointly owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth and is leased to its operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, making it the 13th-busiest airport in the United States and the 23rd-busiest airport worldwide. The busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers.
United Airlines is the largest tenant at the airport, serving about 63% of passengers. The airline operates in three buildings covering approximately 2 million square feet of airport property. The airport is currently undergoing development through the EWR Vision, which covers short- and long-term development through 2065.
Airport codes are typically named after the first three letters of the city in which the airport is located. However, some airports, such as Newark Liberty International Airport, use codes derived from some of their letters due to crossing several municipalities or regions. Additionally, some airports in the United States retained their NWS (National Weather Service) codes and appended an X at the end, such as PHX for Phoenix. In Canada, most major airport codes start with "Y" followed by two letters in the city's name, such as YOW for Ottawa and YWG for Winnipeg.
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EWR is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system
EWR, also known as Newark Liberty International Airport, is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system. It is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. The airport straddles the boundary between the cities of Newark in Essex County and Elizabeth in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Located approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of downtown Newark and 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Manhattan, it is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania.
The airport is jointly owned by the two cities, and the airport itself is leased to its operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. During 2022, the airport served 43.4 million passengers, making it the 13th-busiest airport in the nation and the 23rd-busiest airport in the world. The busiest year to date was 2023, when it served 49.1 million passengers. Newark Liberty International serves 50 carriers and is the largest hub for United Airlines, which serves about 63% of passengers at EWR, making it the largest tenant at the airport.
The airport has the IATA airport code EWR, rather than a designation that begins with the letter 'N', because the designator "NEW" is already assigned to Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, and the Department of the Navy uses three-letter identifiers beginning with N for its purposes. The airport's runways are completely landlocked, in contrast to the other two major New York-area airports, JFK and LaGuardia, which are located directly next to large bodies of water.
In October 2022, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced their EWR Vision, which will cover short- and long-term development through 2065. The plan includes the completion of the new Terminal A, which was finished in January 2023, and the replacement of the old AirTrain, which is expected to be completed in 2029. The goals of the project include creating a World-Class Gateway for New Jersey, fostering long-term economic growth, and accommodating the growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
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EWR Vision is a development plan for the airport that will continue through 2065
EWR, the IATA airport code for Newark Liberty International Airport, has a development plan that will continue through 2065. The airport, which serves the New York metropolitan area, straddles the boundary between Newark in Essex County and Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey.
The EWR Vision plan, announced in October 2022, is a multi-phase development strategy that aims to minimize the impact on airport operations and customers while creating a memorable, locally driven, world-class customer experience. The plan includes short- and long-term goals, with the new Terminal A, opened in January 2023, being the first step. Ongoing projects include the replacement of the EWR AirTrain, expected to be completed in 2029, and the Newark Station Access Project.
The Port Authority has hired experts from Arup, a top aviation planning and design firm, and the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to oversee the airport's redevelopment. The firms will analyze the airport's current capacity and provide a comprehensive framework to accommodate expected passenger and cargo growth through 2065. They will also consider the economic development of the surrounding cities, aiming to maximize job creation and economic opportunities in the region.
The vision for Newark Liberty International Airport is to transform it into a 21st-century, best-in-class global hub that sets new standards for passenger experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The redevelopment plans will guide the airport's transformation and ensure its position as a world-class gateway for New Jersey and the wider region.
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Frequently asked questions
EWR stands for Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey.
When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with N. So, Rk used the other letters in its name to make EWR.
Yes, it is also known as Newark Liberty International Airport.
It is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system and the 23rd-busiest airport in the world.
The airport's runways are completely landlocked, unlike the other two major New York–area airports, JFK and LaGuardia, which are located next to large bodies of water.










































