The runway at Newark Liberty International Airport has reopened nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, easing congestion at the beleaguered airport. The resumption of regular operations is attributed to accelerated construction efforts by the Port Authority and contractors. The renovation project, initially estimated for 60 days, was completed in just 33 days.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the Port Authority and workers for their efforts, saying the timeline was “rampaged up even more” due to issues at the airport, including technical problems with air traffic controllers and staffing shortages at nearby radar centers. The runway’s reopening aims to alleviate congestion caused by the ongoing construction.
The temporary closure of the busiest runway in mid-April left only two runways operational. To accelerate production, additional crews were hired, and a second asphalt plant was brought online. The renovation involved milling and paving the runway, installing new electrical infrastructure, and improving drainage systems.
FAA officials now plan to certify the runway for arriving flights, which could increase departures and arrivals to 34 per hour. However, partial closures of the runway on weeknights and weekends in the coming months are still planned to complete the project by year-end.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/02/nx-s1-5421234/newark-airport-closed-runway-opens-early