The new Terminal A has officially opened at Newark Liberty International Airport - but it was not without a few hiccups.

Early morning passengers reported large lines at check-in, issues getting through security and more delayed and canceled flights. This is in addition to the delays caused by a Federal Aviation Administration stoppage on Wednesday due to a computer glitch.

Newark Liberty officials say that some of the issues at the new terminal were caused by a power outage and two separate Transportation Security Administration shutdowns. But despite the issues, officials say that opening day was a success.

“I’m proud to be from New Jersey, and I think this terminal amplifies all the good of - not only our city [of] Elizabeth but the state of New Jersey,” says Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage.

Terminal A sits in Elizabeth’s city limits.

The first flights from the new terminal arrived and left just after 5 a.m. Thursday. The first impressions from passengers were positive.

“It’s a modern terminal that is befitting of the 21st century,” says Steve Chiavarone, of Lawrence Township.

“I think it looks nice. Nice and new. It is the first day. So far, it’s a good impression,” says Harold Nussbaum, of Teaneck.

The $2.87 billion facility - part of a larger plan to overhaul the entire airport - replaces the outdated and much smaller original Terminal A. It's about 1 million square feet with an open area baggage claim downstairs and a high-tech check-in space upstairs.

Past security is the main concourse with 33 gates, dozens of restaurants and retails shops – many of them local – and lots of noticeable “Jersey moxie.”

"When you land, you see the Rutgers sign, see the New Jersey sign. The restaurants are themed Shore Points…you get a sense you're in New Jersey, which is kind of cool,” says Chiavarone.

Airport officials admit it was a bumpy ride to get to opening day. The original opening was delayed from early December to deal with issues with alarms and safety systems and there was the opening day power outage and delays.

“There have been a number of trials, operational trials – both basic and advanced. Make sure we work the bugs out of things. Sometimes you find out all the bugs and sometimes you don't. There were a few challenges this morning that we’re working our way through,” says Huntley Lawrence, COO of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The new terminal is much larger than the old one, so travelers are advised to give themselves extra time to walk to their gate.