Writer: Mariana Hernández
November 2025 — The Garden State is stepping confidently onto the global stage. As the state prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, its leaders are strengthening partnerships, collaboration, and investment in infrastructure to ensure that New Jersey is ready to welcome global tourism.
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Last week, Governor Phil Murphy participated in the Economic Mission Trip to Mexico City, where discussions with FIFA representatives, investors, and business leaders took place, highlighting New Jersey‘s prominence as a strategic location for attracting tourism and investment. These efforts reflect a broader positioning vision for New Jersey, not just as a tourism and sports destination, but as a global hub for businesses and innovation.
As part of the long list of investments in New Jersey infrastructure, the aviation sector is at the forefront of this transformation. The Port Authority recently broke ground on the long-awaited $3.5 billion AirTrain Newark project, a modernization effort designed to replace the outdated infrastructure to provide faster and more reliable connections between the Newark Liberty International Airport, Amtrak, and the New Jersey Transit system. With over 40 million travelers passing through Newark each year on average, this project sets the stage for the state’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence and keeping its infrastructure on pace with the expected growing demand due to the World Cup.
Complementing this, the recently completed runway renovation at Newark Airport was delivered 13 days ahead of schedule on June 2nd — an encouraging sign of efficiency and coordination among state and federal partners. The project, part of the Port Authority’s larger investment strategy, is expected to reduce delays and improve airfield performance. For the past four years, the Newark Airport was ranked last among the top 20 biggest airports based on passenger satisfaction, mostly due to inconveniences with the runway construction. With the renovation finished, this sets the groundwork for a more efficient and passenger-friendly experience as the region gears up for an influx of international visitors.
At the same time, airline operations stabilized at Newarl Airport after a turbulent period in April. United Airlines reported significant improvements in scheduling and staffing following widespread flight disruptions earlier in 2025. The airline’s executives acknowledged that while operational reliability has improved, challenges remain, including the need to increase ground staff and ensure the completion of infrastructure projects on time to accommodate growing passenger volumes. Addressing these workforce and logistical needs will be essential to sustaining Newark’s momentum and maintaining its reputation as a global gateway.
According to the New York Times, Bryan Bedford, administrator of the F.A.A., stated, “this summer, the F.A.A. took immediate action to relieve substantial inconveniences to the traveling public — deploying a temporary satellite backup system, upgrading fiber optic technology, expanding high-bandwidth telecommunications, increasing controller staffing, and limiting arrivals and departures.”
Looking ahead, these strategic investments in transportation and connectivity are more than just upgrades; they represent a coordinated effort to secure New Jersey’s long-term competitiveness in tourism and international business. With FIFA’s arrival on the horizon and global attention turning toward the region, the Garden State’s airports are poised to play a pivotal role in the broader US aviation industry.
Want more? Read the Invest: New Jersey report.
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