
Newark Liberty International Airport (IATA: EWR, ICAO: KEWR, FAA LID: EWR) is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. The airport is located in both Newark, Essex County, and Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey, approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of downtown Newark and 9 miles (14 km) west-southwest of Manhattan. When airport codes switched from two letters to three, the Navy reserved all codes starting with N. As a result, Newark Airport, the first major airport in the United States, adopted the code EWR, using the letters in its name.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| IATA | EWR |
| ICAO | KEWR |
| FAA LID | EWR |
| Location | Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, US |
| Distance from Midtown Manhattan | 15 miles (24 km) southwest |
| Distance from Philadelphia | 60 miles (97 km) northeast |
| Cargo Facility Space | Almost 1 million square feet |
| Cargo Operations Area | 290 acres (120 ha) |
| Number of Airlines | 45-50 |
| Daily Arrivals and Departures | Nearly 1,200 |
| Number of Employees | 24,000 (in 2017) |
| Number of Terminals | 3 |
| Number of Concourses | 9 |
| Year Terminals A and B were Built | 1973 |
| Year Terminal C was Built | 2023 |
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What You'll Learn

EWR is Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world, serving as a major 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 (JFK) International Airport, and ahead of LaGuardia Airport. Together, these three airports form the largest airport system in the United States and the second-largest in the world in terms of passenger traffic.
The airport has three terminals (A, B, and C) and three runways. Runway 4L/22R is primarily used for takeoffs, while 4R/22L is mainly for landings, and runway 11/29 is utilized by smaller aircraft or during strong crosswinds. EWR is a significant hub for cargo operations, with dedicated facilities for FedEx and United Airlines.
The origin of the airport's code, EWR, is linked to the transition from two-letter to three-letter airport codes. During this change, the Navy reserved all codes starting with "N." As a result, "Newark" used the other letters in its name to create "EWR."
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EWR is one of the busiest airports in the US
Newark Liberty International Airport, commonly referred to as EWR, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located in Newark, New Jersey, the airport serves as a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. With approximately 1,200 daily arrivals and departures, EWR is a bustling hub for both domestic and international travel.
EWR is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system, behind John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and ahead of LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The airport is conveniently situated near the Newark Airport Interchange, the junction between Interstate 95 and Interstate 78, making it easily accessible for travellers.
One of the key factors contributing to EWR's high volume of traffic is its role as the largest hub for United Airlines by available seat miles. United Airlines serves about 63% of passengers at EWR, making it the largest tenant at the airport. Additionally, EWR caters to over 45 air carriers, offering both domestic and international flights for 30 different airlines.
The airport's cargo operations further contribute to its busy nature. EWR boasts nearly 1 million square feet of total cargo facility space, with 290 acres dedicated to cargo operations. The FedEx Cargo Complex, for example, operates a $60 million sort facility at EWR, highlighting the significant scale of cargo activities at the airport.
While EWR has experienced challenges with delays and cancellations due to various issues such as air traffic controller staffing shortages and runway closures, it remains a vital and bustling airport, playing a crucial role in facilitating travel and cargo transportation on a global scale.
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EWR is a hub for cargo airlines
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. Located in Newark, New Jersey, it is the second-busiest airport in the New York airport system, behind John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The airport's history as a cargo hub dates back to the 1920s when Newark was the site of two airfields used by the United States airmail service. In 1927, the U.S. Postal Service sought an airfield closer to New York City, leading to calls for a new airport in the Newark area. The current airport was built on 68 acres of marshland in 1928, and an air cargo centre was constructed after the Port Authority took over the facility in 1948.
Over the years, EWR has undergone significant expansion and improvements, including the development of new terminals and cargo facilities. In 1986, Federal Express (now FedEx Express) established its second hub at the airport, solidifying its role as a cargo hub. In 1997, the North Terminal was demolished to make way for new cargo facilities, further expanding the airport's cargo capabilities.
Today, EWR continues to be a major cargo hub, serving as a key gateway for freight movements in and out of the New York metropolitan area. The airport's cargo operations contribute significantly to its overall traffic, with a constant flow of cargo flights alongside its busy passenger services.
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EWR is jointly owned by Newark and Elizabeth
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 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, it is jointly owned by the cities of Newark and Elizabeth. The airport straddles the boundary between the two cities, with Newark in Essex County and Elizabeth in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.
The history of EWR dates back to the 1920s when Newark was the site of two airfields: Heller Field and Hadley Field, which opened in 1919 and 1924, respectively. Both airfields were used by the United States airmail service. However, by 1927, the U.S. Postal Service desired an airfield closer to New York City. As a result, people and organisations began calling for a new airport in the area of Newark, including the city's mayor, Thomas Raymond.
Construction of EWR began on April 1, 1928, along US Route 1 and Port Newark. The project involved reclaiming 68 acres (28 ha) of marshland, raising it 6 feet (1.8 m) above sea level to prevent flooding, and constructing a 1,600-foot (490 m) runway. The airport, originally named Newark Metropolitan Airport, opened on October 1, 1928, as the first major airport to serve the New York metropolitan area. It was also the first commercial airport in the United States with a paved airstrip.
Over the years, EWR has undergone significant expansion and development. The airport became a hub for United Airlines, serving about 63% of passengers at EWR and making it the largest tenant. The North Terminal was constructed in 1953, and the airport's first monorail system was introduced in the late 1990s. In 2003, a new 325-foot control tower was commissioned, and Terminal A was completed in January 2023. Today, EWR serves more than 45 air carriers, with nearly 1,200 daily arrivals and departures to domestic and international destinations. It is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania.
The joint ownership of EWR by Newark and Elizabeth has led to the airport's development and success as a major international gateway. The airport is leased to its operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has invested significantly in its growth. EWR's location between the two cities provides convenient access to the New York metropolitan area and contributes to its high passenger volume, making it one of the busiest airports in the region.
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EWR is one of the biggest hubs for United Airlines
EWR, or Newark Liberty International Airport, is a major hub for United Airlines. In fact, it is the largest hub for the airline by available seat miles. United Airlines is the largest carrier at the airport, serving about 63% of passengers at EWR, and is the airport's largest tenant.
United has its Global Gateway at Terminal C, which it operates solely for domestic and international flights. Terminal C includes three concourses, C1, C2, and C3, and has 52 gates in total. The airline also operates from Terminals A and B, which are accessible from Terminal C via the AirTrain or shuttle bus services.
United Airlines has a strong commitment to its Newark hub, which it has developed since the 1987 merger of People Express and Continental Airlines. In 2014, the airline opened a new 132,000-square-foot hangar to accommodate wide-body aircraft during maintenance. In 2015, United announced plans to streamline its transcontinental operations at Newark, leaving JFK altogether. The airline also has plans to upgrade its Newark departures, aiming to get 100% of departures on dual-class aircraft by the end of 2021.
However, in 2023, United Airlines considered shrinking its Newark hub to improve operations and address issues with flight disruptions. The airline also faces growing competition from JetBlue and Spirit Airlines at Newark. Despite these challenges, EWR remains a strategically important hub for United Airlines, and the airline has expressed its commitment to long-term, sustainable growth at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
EWR is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for Newark Liberty International Airport. 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.
The full name of EWR airport is Newark Liberty International Airport.
EWR airport is located within the city limits of both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, in the United States. It is about 15 miles (24km) southwest of Midtown Manhattan and 60 miles (97km) northeast of Philadelphia.







































