During World War II, Newark Liberty International Airport, then known as Newark Metropolitan Airport, was taken over by the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1942. This transition was part of a broader effort to mobilize and repurpose civilian infrastructure to support the war effort. The airport’s strategic location and advanced facilities made it a crucial asset for military operations.
In 1942, the federal government, under the authority of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, began overseeing the operation of airport control towers to enhance aviation safety and efficiency. This move was part of a series of legislative actions that extended federal control over civil aviation during the war, including the establishment of the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA), which later became the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). These bodies were responsible for regulating airline operations, safety programs, and air traffic control.
During its military tenure, Newark Airport underwent several significant modifications. Runways were extended and reinforced to accommodate the heavier and larger military aircraft, including bombers and transport planes. Additional hangars, maintenance facilities, and storage buildings were constructed to support the increased operational demands. These enhancements allowed the airport to function as a vital logistical hub for the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies.
Newark Airport served as a base for several key military units during World War II, including the Air Transport Command (ATC). The ATC was formed in June 1942 to unify civilian and military air transport operations, coordinating the movement of aircraft, cargo, and personnel. The ATC operated a vast network, delivering essential supplies to various war zones and supporting both European and Pacific theaters of operation.
During the war, Newark handled a substantial volume of military traffic. In its peak operational months, the airport supported thousands of military flights, facilitating the transportation of hundreds of thousands of troops and significant amounts of cargo. This high level of activity underscored Newark’s strategic importance and its capacity to support large-scale military operations【129†source】.
After the war, Newark Airport was returned to civilian control in 1945. The infrastructure improvements made during the war laid the foundation for Newark’s rapid post-war growth, helping it evolve into a major international airport known today as Newark Liberty International Airport.