Newark Runway Reopens Early After Major Upgrade

Newark Liberty International Airport's primary runway 4L-22R will reopen 13 days ahead of schedule on June 2, after a $121 million rehabilitation project that began April 15. The project was expedited with extra crews and 24/7 operations, allowing the Port Authority to coordinate with airlines and manage traffic disruptions. During the closure, the FAA reduced flights by 25% due to staffing shortages and telecom issues, intensifying delays and cancellations. Officials, including Governor Phil Murphy and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, praised the rapid completion as a major step toward easing summer congestion and improving safety. Further rehabilitation work will continue on weeknights through the end of the year, as investments in air traffic control modernization are planned. The reopening has also led to cautious optimism in airline and logistics stocks as operations begin to normalize.