Answer: Newark’s code became EWR due to how three-letter airport codes were assigned and which letter combinations were available at the time. The short version: Newark didn’t end up with a clean “NEW”-style code, so EWR stuck.
What travelers should take from this
- It’s a legacy code, not a modern branding choice
- The code is stable and used across airlines, baggage, and scheduling systems
Chauffeur’s Pro Tip
If you’re coordinating travel for someone else, always send both formats: “Newark (EWR)”. It cuts down on mix-ups with people who only recognize city names or only recognize codes.