Newark Liberty International Airport set a new record for the number of incoming passengers in a single day. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that over 83,000 people were screened at TSA checkpoints throughout the airport on Thursday. When combined with screenings at the other two major airports in New Jersey, Atlantic City and Teterboro, the total number of people screened exceeded 86,000, marking the busiest travel day by plane in the state's history.
The TSA has been prepared for high passenger volumes this summer, with multiple days breaking into the top 10 busiest days in the agency's 22-year history. The agency has installed 11 new computed tomography (CT) scanners in Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport to enhance explosives detection capabilities for screening carry-on items. The CT scanners provide 3-D imaging, allowing TSA officers to view and rotate the image 360 degrees on three axes for thorough visual image analysis.
"Here at Newark we already have seen a notable increase in checkpoint volume," said Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey. "We have been in close coordination with our airport, airline and travel partners, and we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes as we head into the July 4th holiday travel period."
The record-breaking passenger volume at Newark Liberty International Airport reflects the role TSA and the Department of Homeland Security have in securing the nation's transportation systems, while ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce, which is vital to the country's economic well-being.