Malliotakis Celebrates Historic Investment to Improve Newark Airport

(NEW YORK, NY) - Following the completion of the runway renovation and the FAA’s transition to a new fiber-optic network at Newark Liberty International Airport, even more investment is underway to modernize our aviation system. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis is celebrating Congressional approval of investments coming to Newark Airport, a convenient and frequently used hub for residents of Staten Island and Brooklyn. These historic investments are also being made at airports across the New York City area and the nation, aimed at improving air traffic control operations and overall reliability.

In the One Big Beautiful Law, Congresswoman Malliotakis helped secure $12.5 billion to modernize Air Traffic Control systems across the nation including at Newark Airport. This investment is part of a larger $31 billion plan championed by President Trump to upgrade federal air traffic control infrastructure and bring America’s air traffic management system into the 21st century.

“This historic investment marks a major step forward in modernizing our nation’s aviation infrastructure and improving the travel experience for millions of Americans with a priority on Newark Airport used by a vast majority of travelers from our district," said Rep. Malliotakis. "I worked with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and my colleagues to deliver this infrastructure funding and ensure the Department of Transportation continues to prioritize upgrades at Newark Airport to improve passenger safety and reduce flight delays.

Modernizing systems like radar, radios, and fiber-optic cables is critical to improving efficiency, reducing delays, and ensuring the safety of the public. As air travel demand grows, these investments will benefit the Staten Island and Brooklyn residents who depend on Newark as a key travel hub. Following the recent runway renovation and the FAA’s transition to a new fiber optic network at Newark, I will continue to support efforts to strengthen our aviation system and bring it into the 21st century."

Highlights of the $12.5 Billion Air Traffic Control Modernization Investment

Under the Big Beautiful Law

A massive $4.75 billion upgrade of outdated 1960s telecom tech to cutting-edge internet protocol systems, while $3 billion replaces old radar systems to better track planes. This historic funding will significantly lower collision risks and enhance reliability at one of the nation's busiest airports.

Newark Airport will also benefit from $1.9 billion for new Air Route Traffic Control Centers and $1 billion for Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) upgrades. These funds modernize air traffic management in the crowded airspace above New York and New Jersey, streamlining operations and cutting delays for Newark’s passengers.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Law also secures $500 million for Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) systems to make Newark Airport’s runways safer than ever. New Surface Movement Radars and upgraded runway lighting at 200 airports, including Newark, will prevent accidents and enhance safety for millions of passengers.

$350 million is funded to maintain unstaffed air traffic control infrastructure, as well as $300 million to replace the FAA’s outdated IT systems that still rely on obsolete hardware like floppy disks, ensuring Newark Airport's critical behind-the-scenes systems remain reliable for years to come.

Earlier this year, Rep. Malliotakis and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis praised Transportation Secretary Duffy’s swift leadership in initiating the modernization of outdated fiber optic cables at Newark Airport an important first step in improving air traffic operations and passenger safety.