Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Avoiding Newark Airport

Flights

Like much of the country, we’ve held our breath, cringed and worried as distressing and disturbing news has rolled out from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) about serious and ongoing delays and cancelations.

It’s been so bad that United Airlines decided to cut 35 daily flights at Newark due to concerns over the shortage of air traffic controllers, faulty technology, safety and delays.

The technology failures are especially frightening.

On April 28, it was widely reported, that for at least 90 seconds air traffic controllers lost all communication with airplanes heading for Newark Airport.

It turns out that wasn’t the first time. According to this NBC News story, controllers lost radio contact with pilots flying into EWR at least eight or nine times in recent months.

Airlines offering change options to avoid Newark

Some airlines are offering to waive change fees to help travelers deal with the Newark challenges.

In some cases, you have the option to change airports.

Here are some of the offers, as of Wednesday, May 7. If you’re planning to fly to, from or through EWR, be sure to check for updates.

American Airlines

Jet Blue

United Airlines

What’s Inside The New Terminal A at Newark Liberty Int’l Airport (EWR)

Airport Terminals, ,

We haven’t been there in person just yet. But we’re delighted to see the photos the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is sharing of the new $2.7-billion terminal Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The new terminal replaces the old Terminal A which first opened in 1973 and features fresh passenger amenities, impressive artwork, digital technology, and more than 60 regional dining and retail outlets representing national, global, and local brands.

Stretching out over more than one million square feet, the new Terminal A at EWR has 33 gates, and common-use check-in, security, and baggage claim areas built to easily handle an estimated 13.6 million passengers a year. Flights for Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jet Blue and United Airlines will operate out of this terminal.

The seating areas are diverse and inviting. And the kid’s play areas look like so much fun.

Fresh Art in Terminal A at Newark Liberty Int’l Airport

And then there’s all the art. The work of 29 local artists is included in the terminal, with two major pieces serving as permanent anchor installations.

Karyn Olivier’s aluminum and stainless steel work, titled Approach, is made of up two 50-foot suspended sculptures that celebrate flight with different views of Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey in daytime and at night.

Between the Future Past, a mural by Layqa Nuna Yawar, celebrates the diversity of Newark, New Jersey, and the New York metropolitan area.

Photo by Zack DeZon, Courtesy Public Art Fund NY

More details to come once we get in there and walk the terminal from one end to the other.

(All photos courtesy Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, except where noted).