This reopening comes nearly two weeks ahead of the originally scheduled completion date.

Officials are optimistic that the return to regular runway operations will help alleviate the congestion at the airport. This congestion had been exacerbated by staffing shortages, technical problems, and the ongoing construction work. During a press conference, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commended the efforts of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, unions, and workers in completing the project 13 days early. Duffy noted that the timeline was accelerated in response to the pressing issues facing Newark.

The troubles at Newark peaked when air traffic controllers experienced significant technical difficulties, including the loss of radar and communication capabilities. These issues led to instances where air traffic controllers had to take time off to manage the stress caused by the breakdowns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) highlighted that low staffing levels at the Philadelphia TRACON, which manages flight traffic around Newark, have added to the complications.

Renovations commenced on Newark's busiest runway for departing flights, designated 4L-22R, in mid-April. The reduced number of operational runways resulted in the FAA establishing a cap of 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour, a 15% reduction, effective May 20, until the runway work was completed.

The Port Authority, which oversees Newark's operations, accelerated the project's timeline by hiring additional crews to work continuously and coordinating closely with contractors. This effort included bringing an extra asphalt plant online to expedite production. Port Authority aviation director Sarah McKeon praised the dedication and persistence of the teams involved in achieving this feat.

Necessary renovations to ensure FAA safety standards included milling and paving the 11,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway, upgrading lightning and airfield signs, installing new underground electrical infrastructure, and improving the drainage system. The runway was last rehabilitated in 2014.

FAA acting administrator Chris Rocheleau said the certification process to allow the runway to receive arriving flights is underway and could be complete within a week. Once certified, the airport would be able to handle 34 departures and 34 arrivals per hour.

Although the runway is now operational, the Port Authority indicated that it would still require occasional closures on weeknights and weekends in the coming months to finalize the project fully by the end of the year.