The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has published its proposed 45 billion USD capital plan for 2026–2035, setting out a decade of investment across its aviation network, including major upgrades at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia.
The authority states that the plan builds on the momentum of current redevelopment programmes and is structured to address growing demand, climate resilience requirements and the need for modern, reliable passenger infrastructure. As with previous plans, the programme is funded without state or local tax revenue.
JFK International Airport
The capital plan advances the multi-year redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the largest airport transformation projects underway in the United States.
A significant element is the planned redesign of AirTrain JFK, with higher-capacity trains and upgraded stations intended to improve service reliability and support the expanded terminal footprint. The first gates of the new Terminal 1 and Terminal 6 are due to open in 2026, alongside further phases of the airport’s redesigned internal roadway network.
Newark Liberty International Airport
At Newark Liberty International Airport, work on the new 3.5 billion USD AirTrain Newark continues. The replacement system is designed to deliver improved reliability, longer trains and more efficient inter-terminal, parking and rail-station connections.
The plan also includes:
- A new community access point linking local residents to the Newark Airport Rail Station, scheduled to open in 2026
- Continued planning for a new Terminal B through a public–private partnership
- Future expansion works at Terminal A, following the completion of the first phase of the terminal in 2023
LaGuardia Airport
The plan provides for the replacement of the 85-year-old Terminal A while preserving its landmark rotunda. The project complements the existing redevelopment of Terminals B and C, which were delivered under previous capital plans.
Passenger access improvements form a major component, including:
- Enhanced LGALink Q70 bus service, with a dedicated bus lane on the BQE and a new on-airport bus stop
- A new taxi hold lot at Terminal B with updated facilities for drivers, including restrooms and prayer space.
The redevelopment is designed to manage increased passenger demand and integrate LaGuardia more effectively into the region’s transit network.
Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Airport-linked sustainability measures feature prominently. The authority has earmarked funding to support its target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. This includes fleet electrification, zero-emission ground operations where feasible, and resilience projects designed to mitigate extreme weather impacts across airfield, terminal and landside infrastructure.
Technology and Passenger-Flow
The capital plan maintains support for digital transformation, with ongoing development of autonomous technologies, AI tools and advanced air-mobility concepts. These initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency, safety and passenger flow management across the aviation network.
2026 Budget Proposal
Alongside the capital plan, the Port Authority has issued its 2026 budget proposal, totalling 10.1 billion USD. Of this, 4.1 billion USD is allocated to capital works, including AirTrain Newark construction, continued redevelopment at JFK, and state-of-good-repair programmes across the three major airports.
Passenger volumes are expected to remain strong in 2026, with demand forecasts underpinning investment in new terminal capacity, modernised AirTrain systems and broader access improvements.
