Newark Liberty International Airport (IATA: EWR, ICAO: KEWR, FAA LID: EWR), is a major international gateway serving the New York metropolitan area. Located approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of downtown Newark, New Jersey, the airport lies on the boundary between the cities of Newark and Elizabeth. It is owned jointly by the two municipalities and operated under lease by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Within the New York airport system, it is the second-busiest airport after John F. Kennedy International Airport and plays a critical role in transatlantic and long-haul operations.