One of the two main runways at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) reopened nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, US Department of Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has announced.
On June 2, 2025, Duffy hosted a press conference at Newark airport to celebrate the early reopening of Runway 4-Left/22-Right. Duffy was accompanied by Chris Rocheleau, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Sarah McKeon, the Port Authority Aviation Director, Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, and Congressman Tom Kean.
“We’re celebrating the opening of Newark’s runway, and this is a 60-day project that actually completed 13 days early,” Duffy said during the conference. “Everyone who touches the problem is giving their fullhearted effort.”
Rocheleau said the new runway is already being used for departures. He referred to the achievement as “a big deal”, adding that it is contributing to a “safe and efficient operation” at the airport.
Rocheleau said the runway is currently operating with 28 arrivals and 28 departures at the airport.
“I would also say our next steps are to have our technical operations people go out and certify that new runway for arrivals” Rocheleau explained. “It’s going to take a little bit longer simply because we want to make sure that the equipment there is certified.”
Once the runway is certified with a new arrival instrument landing system, the number will increase to 34 arrivals and departures. The FAA expects the runway to fully open sometime in the week of June 9, 2025.
“The Port Authority is committed to ensuring that Newark is a world class airport,” said Port Authority Aviation Director Sarah McKeon. “This is evidenced in part by our $3 billion investment in the Newark terminal A and our upcoming development and replacement of the Newark AirTrain system. Our top priority remains returning Newark to its full operational capacity.”
On April 28, 2025, TRACON controllers lost access to systems that help direct aircraft to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays. Following this, the same incident occurred twice in May 2025.
