After work began, the new AirTrain system at Newark Liberty International Airport is due to enter operation in 2030.
The latest news on airports globally, with updates on financing, infrastructure expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) broke ground on a new $3.5 billion automated people mover (APM) train. The new 2.5 mi. AirTrain, slated to open in 2030, will replace the airport's current APM, which started operations in 1996. The new system will increase capacity to 50,000 daily riders, up from the current APM's capacity of 33,000 daily riders, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages EWR. “The new AirTrain Newark … will improve access to the airport, support its continued growth, and knit together the airport's terminals, rail links and parking into a modern, unified system,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. The Port Authority added that the “existing AirTrain is reaching the end of its useful life, requires extensive maintenance and repair, and cannot adequately meet upcoming demand … The current system is unable to be expanded or upgraded to newer technology, and its route will hinder future airport growth, while the new system is designed to be expandable.”
Ireland's DAA, which manages Dublin Airport (DUB) and Cork Airport (ORK), generated €536.1 million ($623 million) in revenue for the 2025 first half, up 6% year over year. DUB and ORK, Ireland's two busiest airports, handled a collective 18.6 million passengers in the first half of 2025, up 4% from the first half of 2024. After-tax profit, excluding exceptional items, was €77.8 million, down 5% from the first half of 2024, as operating costs jumped 10% year over year to €375.3 million. “Like all businesses, we're facing sustained cost pressures, from energy and regulatory compliance … to construction and wage inflation, making it a constant challenge to manage our cost base efficiently while maintaining service standards,” DAA CFO Peter Dunne said.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) set April 22, 2026, as the opening day for FRA's new Terminal 3. Terminal 3 will have capacity to handle 19 million annual passengers, taking pressure off the airport's two existing terminals. Airport operator Fraport said Terminal 3 “has just reached one of the expansion project's key milestones by passing the official inspections, which include fire protection. As a result, the new terminal is now officially no longer a construction site, and Fraport can focus on getting it ready to start operations.” Work left to be done includes installing 21 security checkpoint lanes, completing the food and shopping areas and conducting baggage handling system testing. On 21 days between Jan. 27 and April 16, 2026, "around 8,000 test passengers are putting the terminal through its paces to make sure that all of its processes mesh seamlessly," Fraport said.
Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia awarded a €22.8 million ($26.5 million) contract to Riga-based road construction company SIA Binders to reconstruct an aircraft apron. The work “involves complete reconstruction of the apron's hard surface,” covering more than 80,000 m² (860,000 ft²), RIX said. The reconstructed apron will add parking capacity for widebody freighters and expand the cargo handling area, according to the airport. “As part of the project, a new electrical substation will be built to supply lighting and power to the apron and aircraft stands in accordance with the latest EU requirements,” RIX said. “The project also includes the construction of equipment storage areas for aircraft servicing, installation of a new airfield lighting system, reconstruction of lighting masts and floodlights, and the implementation of new video surveillance and rainwater drainage systems.”
London Luton Airport (LTN) will begin resurfacing work on its single runway on Nov. 3. “The work to upgrade the durability and performance of the runway is necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of airport operations and to ensure [LTN] continues to meet all regulatory safety requirements,” the airport said. The work, expected to cost £18 million ($24 million), will take five months, occurring between midnight and 5:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure has been contracted to do the resurfacing. “While some disruption is unavoidable, every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum and we will closely monitor noise levels throughout the project,” LTN COO Neil Thompson said.
Bogata's El Dorado International Airport (BOG) will “experience delays in air operations due to runway calibration,” according to Aeronautica Civil, Colombia's aviation regulator. The calibrations will occur on four consecutive Sundays starting Oct. 19. “These actions are aimed at ensuring precise and safe air navigation, in line with the highest operational standards,” the regulator said, adding: “Preserving life and ensuring operational safety are essential and non-negotiable principles … This maintenance is key to ensuring service is not affected during the holiday season, which historically represents the largest passenger flow at El Dorado International Airport.”
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports in the UK, appointed Marie Joyce its new CFO. She will assume the post in January 2026. Joyce will come to MAG from renewable energy asset manager NTR, where she held the positions of CFO and COO.
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