Ruth Haines
The abbreviation for Newark Liberty International Airport is EWR. The airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, and was the first commercial airport in the United States, opening for business in October 1928. EWR is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving 43.4 million passengers in 2022, and is the largest hub for United Airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| Former Names | Newark Metropolitan Airport, Newark International Airport |
| Abbreviation | EWR |
| Location | Newark, New Jersey |
| Distance from Midtown Manhattan, New York City | 15 miles (24 km) |
| Year of Construction | 1928 |
| Year of Opening | 1 October 1928 |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Carriers Served | 50 |
| Busiest Year | 2023, with 49.1 million passengers |
| Major Hub For | United Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
The airport code EWR
The airport's name was changed to Newark International Airport in 1970 and then to Newark Liberty International Airport in 2002, as a tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks and the Statue of Liberty. The airport is approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Newark Airport has three separate terminals and serves as a hub for several airlines, including United Airlines, which has its largest hub there. In 2017, it was ranked as the sixth busiest airport for international flights and the fifteenth busiest overall in the country. The airport served 43.4 million passengers in 2022, making it the 13th busiest airport in the nation and the 23rd busiest in the world.
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History of Newark Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport, which is abbreviated as EWR, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of aviation. Here is a brief overview of the key moments and developments that have shaped the airport into the major transportation hub it is today:
The Early Years:
The history of Newark Airport can be traced back to 1928 when the City of Newark acquired a tract of land in the vicinity of Newark Bay for the development of an aviation facility. The site was originally a marshland, and extensive landfilling and grading were required to create a suitable surface for an airport. The airport was officially dedicated and opened for business on October 1, 1928, as the Newark Metropolitan Airport, serving both commercial and general aviation needs.
In its early years, Newark Airport quickly became a significant aviation hub. By 1935, it was the busiest airport in the world in terms of total flights, a title it held for many years. The airport played a crucial role in the development of commercial aviation, with many pioneering flights and innovations taking place there. For example, in 1935, Amelia Earhart dedicated a new air traffic control tower at the airport, recognizing its importance in the safe and efficient management of air traffic.
Expansion and War Years:
During World War II, the airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces and became a key military base known as Newark Army Air Field. Significant expansion and improvements were made during this time, including the construction of new runways and facilities. The airport played a vital role in the war effort, serving as a major transport hub for troops and supplies heading to Europe.
Post-war Boom:
After the war, the airport was returned to civilian control and experienced significant growth in commercial aviation. In 1948, a new terminal building, the North Terminal (now Terminal A), was opened to handle the increasing passenger traffic. This terminal featured innovative design elements, including a large, glass-enclosed lobby and a direct roadway access to the terminal, improving the passenger experience and convenience.
The Jet Age:
The introduction of jet aircraft in the 1950s brought further changes to Newark Airport. To accommodate the larger and faster jets, the airport underwent significant expansion and modernization. New runways were built, and existing ones were extended to handle the new aircraft. The South Terminal (now Terminal B) was opened in 1953, providing additional capacity and modern facilities for passengers.
Renaming and Recent Developments:
In 1984, the airport was officially renamed Newark International Airport. This change reflected the airport's growing international status and the increasing number of international flights it handled. In 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the airport was again renamed, becoming Newark Liberty International Airport to honor the victims and celebrate the freedom and spirit of the United States.
Today, Newark Liberty International Airport continues to be a major transportation hub, serving the New York metropolitan area. It handles a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic and is a key gateway to the region. The airport has undergone continuous improvements and expansions to meet the demands of modern aviation and remains an important part of the aviation industry in the United States.
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Airlines that use Newark Airport
The abbreviation for Newark Liberty International Airport is EWR. Newark Airport is a hub for 50 carriers, including:
United Airlines
United Airlines is the largest tenant at Newark Airport, serving about 63% of passengers. It is the largest hub for the airline by available seat miles. The airline has been dominant at the airport since its merger with Continental Airlines in 2010.
FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the second-largest tenant at Newark Airport, occupying three buildings covering approximately 2 million square feet of airport property. The FedEx Cargo Complex is a $60 million sort facility that includes Buildings 347, 156, and most of 155.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic began service between Newark and London in 1984, challenging JFK's status as New York's international gateway.
Singapore Airlines
In 2018, Singapore Airlines launched nonstop service between Newark and Singapore, which was then the world's longest non-stop flight.
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines used to operate at Newark Airport until financial problems in the late 1990s forced the airline to terminate its service.
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Busy periods at Newark Airport
The abbreviation for Newark Liberty International Airport is EWR. The airport is located in Newark, New Jersey, and was previously known as Newark International Airport.
Newark Airport is a major hub for United Airlines, which operates around 328 flights per day and serves about 63% of passengers at the airport. As such, issues affecting United Airlines can cause significant disruptions at the airport. For example, in 2025, United Airlines eliminated nearly three dozen round-trip flights from its daily schedule at Newark Airport due to air traffic control staffing issues and technological problems.
In addition to specific airline issues, Newark Airport experiences busy periods due to general air traffic congestion. The airport has implemented measures to address congestion, such as flight caps in 2008 and a seven-year-long project by the FAA to reduce congestion in New York area airports.
Certain days of the week are also busier than others. Fridays and Sundays are among the busiest days at Newark Airport, especially for business travelers and weekend vacationers. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have fewer travelers, resulting in smoother airport experiences and cheaper ticket prices.
Furthermore, infrastructure improvements can impact the airport's operations. In 2021, the rehabilitation of Runway 4R-22L, Newark's primary landing runway, resulted in a high likelihood of congestion, delays, and cancellations, according to federal officials. Similarly, in 2025, the closure of Runway 4L-22R for infrastructure improvements affected the airport's operations, causing delays and cancellations.
It is worth noting that external factors, such as staffing issues at regional centers that guide planes into Newark Airport, can also contribute to busy periods and delays.
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Newark Airport's terminals
The abbreviation for Newark Liberty International Airport is EWR. This code was assigned by the International Airport Association to distinguish the airport from others. The airport is located at 3 Brewster Rd., Newark, NJ 07114 and can be contacted at 973-961-6000.
Newark Airport has three terminals: A, B, and C. Each terminal serves a specific purpose and different airlines. Terminal A is the oldest of the three and is designated for domestic and regional flights. It has three concourses: A1, A2, and A3. Passengers connecting to a flight leaving from a different concourse within Terminal A must re-enter security. Terminal A features shops, duty-free stores, nursing suites, pet relief stations, currency exchange centres, and charging stations.
Terminal B is the central terminal and has three concourses: B1, B2, and B3. Passengers can move freely between these concourses without having to go through security each time. Terminal B offers a variety of dining and shopping options, including an Irish pub, a beer cafe, and several restaurants. It also features duty-free stores, bookshops, electronic stores, fashion stores, and a shoeshine service. Nursing suites and currency exchange stations are available, along with lounges such as the Art and Lounge and the Delta Sky Club.
Terminal C is exclusively used by United Airlines and consists of concourses C1, C2, and C3. United Airlines is the largest tenant at Newark Airport, serving about 63% of passengers.
Newark Liberty International Airport, previously known as Newark International Airport, is one of three airports serving the New York/New Jersey area. It is the largest hub for United Airlines and has been in operation since 1928. The airport served approximately 43.4 million passengers in 2022, making it the 13th busiest airport in the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
EWR.
When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with N. So, EWR is made up of the other letters in Newark.
Newark Liberty International Airport.
