The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Wednesday it saw the busiest year ever at its three major airports in 2023.
The agency said domestic travel passenger rates set new records at Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International ad LaGuardia Airports. The agencies said the records surpassed previous pre-pandemic highs and were due to passengers taking advantage of additional capacity and amenities at the new facilities across New York and New Jersey.
“We are driving the investment of $30 billion of redevelopment work at our airports, and the results are in: a record-shattering 144 million passengers in 2023,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said. “These extraordinary numbers are a clear testament to the ambitious work we’ve undertaken to modernize our airports, giving passengers a streamlined, comfortable, and 21st century travel experience no matter which airport they choose.”
In 2023, the three airports saw a total of 144 million air passengers, a 3 percent increase over the previous record of 140 million in 2019. The airports set individual travel records as well, with Newark serving 35.3 million passengers, LaGuardia serving 30.6 million and JFK serving 29.1 million.
The record comes after years of redevelopment work at the agency’s three major airports, including a new Terminal A at Newark Liberty, and a new Terminal B at LaGuardia in 2020. The agency continues to do redevelopment work at JFK and EWR for new and upgraded terminals, ground transportation enhancements and road network overhauls.
“As passengers continued returning to our airports, many for the first time in years, we are delighted to greet them with an entirely transformed experience from curb to gate,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. “Demand for air travel has not only returned but has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. We are delighted to provide new world-class facilities to this record-breaking number of travelers.”