Newark Liberty Named America’s Most Stressful Airport Amid Holiday Travel Surge
NEWARK, N.J. — As millions of Americans prepare to hit the skies for the holiday season, Newark Liberty International Airport has been singled out as the nation’s most stressful airport, according to a recent global study. The designation comes amid a record-setting Thanksgiving weekend when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 3.1 million travelers in a single day, underscoring the intense pressure on airport infrastructure and services.
The study, conducted by the Australian travel insurance company iSelect, evaluated 50 major airports worldwide based on factors including average departure delays, canceled flights, security wait times, and baggage claim efficiency. Newark Liberty scored an 18.46 out of 100, marking it as the most stressful airport in the United States and placing it near the bottom globally.
Newark’s challenges are multifaceted. The airport received the worst check-in times among the surveyed airports and ranked third worst for baggage retrieval. Additionally, travelers face an average departure delay of 21.4 minutes. The study also noted that Newark had the second-worst score for ease of access, making it difficult for passengers to reach the airport smoothly.
These issues persist despite ongoing efforts to modernize the facility. In October, construction began on a $3.5 billion overhaul of the AirTrain Newark system, which has been in operation since 1996. The current system is outdated and over capacity, unable to accommodate the airport’s rapid growth. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Newark Airport is the front door to our region — and modernizing the AirTrain system is part of our commitment to reimagining a world-class airport that is worthy of our state.” The airport’s official website details the redevelopment plans aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency.
The TSA’s record screening numbers during the Thanksgiving weekend highlight the strain on airport resources nationwide. According to the TSA’s official statistics, the 3.1 million travelers screened on Sunday, November 30, 2025, marked the busiest single day in the agency’s history. This surge in passenger volume has contributed to longer wait times and increased delays, particularly at Newark.
While Newark Liberty tops the list for stress-inducing airports in the U.S., it is not alone in facing travel disruptions. Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, was ranked second most stressful globally by the iSelect study. The report’s comprehensive approach also considered canceled flights and security checkpoint efficiency, factors that are critical during peak travel seasons.
Travel experts advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for check-in and security screening, especially at airports like Newark. The Federal Aviation Administration projects that the holiday travel period will see the highest number of flyers in 15 years, further intensifying pressure on airport infrastructure.
In response to the findings, Newark Liberty officials have reiterated their commitment to ongoing improvements. The airport’s redevelopment program includes terminal upgrades and enhanced passenger amenities designed to mitigate current stress points. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees Newark Liberty, has pledged transparency and responsiveness as construction continues.
For travelers navigating the holiday season, awareness of potential delays and airport conditions can help ease the journey. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides real-time information on flight delays and cancellations, a valuable resource for those flying through Newark and other busy hubs.
As Newark Liberty embarks on its transformation, the hope is that future travelers will experience a more seamless and less stressful airport visit, reflecting the region’s status as a critical gateway for millions of passengers each year.
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