Terminal closure at Newark Airport is about to disrupt travel through NYC
Flying through Newark Airport is about to get even more complicated.
To facilitate the construction of the airport's brand-new Terminal A, parts of the existing one need to be demolished, and that'll wreak havoc on some airline operations.
Beginning on Sept. 30, the first of the three piers in the existing Terminal A will be decommissioned. This pier holds six gates belonging to Air Canada and JetBlue (and is also where you'll find Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge).
As such, both carriers need to move their operations — Air Canada is going to shift to other gates in Terminal A. JetBlue, meanwhile, is going to split operations between Terminal A and Terminal B. Though JetBlue's Newark schedule focuses mostly on point-to-point flying, the spilt will mean a massive inconvenience for those connect; they'll have to reclear security and take the AirTrain between terminals. It's also a challenge for the airline, which now has to spread its staff and operation across two separate terminals.
Additionally, if you're flying with JetBlue from Newark, be sure to check your flight status before arriving at the airport to figure out which terminal your flight will depart from. You definitely don't want to schlep your luggage between terminals because you forgot to check.
The remainder of the Terminal A airlines — American, Alaska, and United Express — will continue their operations unchanged in the second and third piers of the concourse. However, the Port Authority, which oversees the airport, recommends that all travelers departing from Terminal A arrive no later than two hours prior to scheduled departure due to increased wait times during peak periods.
In a statement, Newark Liberty general manager James Gill said that "this is a necessary step in delivering a world-class airport able to handle future passenger growth and improve the customer experience. We are working with our airport partners to keep flight operations running smoothly. We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to move closer to the unveiling of the new Terminal A."
This temporary switcheroo should only last about six months, as the new Terminal A is slated to welcome its first passengers in spring 2022. When the new concourse opens, it'll feature 21 gates, along with a host of passenger-friendly amenities, including space for up to four lounges. By the end of 2022, the new Terminal A will have a total of 33 gates, with 12 more coming online throughout the second half of next year.
Be sure to check out pictures and more details from our hard-hat tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming to the new Terminal A.
Related: JFK vs. LaGuardia vs. Newark: Which NYC airport should I fly into?
In addition to the temporary terminal changes, Newark Airport is currently undergoing vital runway maintenance, which is also affecting airline operations.
Runway 4R-22L — the airport's main landing strip — was last rehabilitated nine years ago, and is currently getting another surface makeover. The project began in April and is expected to finish in the second quarter of 2022.
Most of the work is being done at night and on weekends, but a full runway closure will last through (at least) Oct. 1. Due to limited runway capacity, Newark flights have experienced longer-than-usual taxi times, as well as metering and sequencing on approach for arrival.
Related: First look at Newark's brand-new Terminal A
This summer, United passengers passing through the airline's mega-hub at the airport experienced plenty of delays and cancellations due to the runway maintenance and reduced capacity.
Until all the work is finished next year, some travelers might want to consider flying to nearby LaGuardia and JFK airports if either of those is a convenient option.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.