The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has approved a 45 billion USD capital plan covering the period from 2026 to 2035, setting out the next phase of infrastructure investment across its airports and wider transport network.
For the aviation sector, the plan confirms continued large-scale redevelopment at the region’s three major commercial airports, alongside new investment in surface access, resilience and passenger security.
The new capital plan builds on projects delivered under the previous 2017–2025 programme, which included the reconstruction of LaGuardia Airport, the opening of Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport, and the ongoing redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport. The next decade of funding is intended to complete these airport programmes and address future capacity, operational resilience and climate adaptation.
Newark Liberty International Airport
At Newark Liberty International Airport, the plan provides funding to advance a new Terminal B, intended to anchor a broader transformation of the airport. The Port Authority will establish a public-private partnership to design and deliver the terminal as part of its long-term vision for the site.
Funding is also confirmed for a new AirTrain Newark system, currently under construction, designed to improve reliability and capacity of the airport’s rail connection. Additional aviation-related works include a third major taxiway to reduce aircraft ground delays, completion of a simplified roadway network, and further expansion planning at the recently opened Terminal A to support future passenger growth.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
The capital plan continues the redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport, where construction is already underway on the New Terminal One and Terminal 6 projects. The Port Authority expects the first gates in these new international terminals to open in 2026.
Over the next decade, funding will support completion of the reconfigured internal roadway system and a major upgrade of AirTrain JFK. The AirTrain programme includes new rolling stock to increase capacity and redesigned stations intended to improve passenger circulation and accessibility. The plan also allows for preparatory work later in the decade to replace ageing terminal infrastructure if traffic demand requires.
LaGuardia Airport
At LaGuardia Airport, the focus shifts to completing the modernisation programme following the opening of the rebuilt Terminal B and Terminal C. The capital plan funds replacement of the non-landmarked, 1980s-era concourse and boarding areas at Terminal A, while preserving the historic Marine Air Terminal in full.
Surface access improvements are also included, notably enhancements to the Q70 bus service linking the airport with the regional transport network. These include a dedicated bus lane and improved on-airport stops, intended to provide more reliable public transport access without additional road traffic.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said:The Board’s approval of this capital plan sets in motion a historic decade of activity for the Port Authority and for the region we serve. We are charting the next phase of a century-old mission defined by dreaming big, solving hard problems, and connecting millions of people to opportunity. This plan builds on the trust and momentum earned by delivering complex projects to a world-class standard. Through this visionary plan and the transformative work we continue to do, we are setting a new standard for the region and raising the bar for what public agencies can accomplish.
The capital plan also supports wider investments in airport sustainability, resilience and security. This includes energy efficiency measures, expansion of on-site solar generation, electrification of vehicle fleets, and flood resilience works to address climate risks. Cybersecurity and physical security funding is reflected in the Port Authority’s separate 2026 operating budget, which dedicates 1.1 billion USD to safety and security across all facilities, including airports.
