Air Traffic Controller Shortage Causes Significant Delays at Newark Airport
NEW YORK — On Saturday, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced extensive flight delays and cancellations attributed to a shortage of air traffic controllers, a problem that has arisen nationwide. The Trump administration has made promises to address these issues swiftly.
Impact on Flights
The ongoing disruptions at Newark have also affected numerous airports across the country, including Los Angeles International Airport. As a response to the operational challenges, United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 daily flights from Newark starting Saturday, marking approximately 10% of the carrier’s round-trip domestic schedule.
Technical Failures and Staffing Issues
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, highlighted that technology failures at the New Jersey facility have led to significant operational setbacks. These recent technological malfunctions coincided with over 20% of the air traffic control staff at Newark not reporting for duty, which has been a long-standing issue of understaffing, according to Kirby.
In a letter to customers, he stated, “This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years. Without these controllers, it’s now clear — and the FAA tells us — that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.”
Delay Statistics
According to the latest reports from the FAA, average delays for flights arriving at Newark reached nearly two hours, with specific flights experiencing delays of up to five hours. Departures were delayed by an average of 45 minutes. By late Saturday afternoon, arriving flights were running over three hours late, whereas delayed departures had improved slightly to an average of 30 minutes.
Nationwide Ripple Effects
The disruptions at Newark have had a domino effect on air travel across the country. Flight tracking service FlightAware noted delays impacting other major airports, including those in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas.
Response from the Trump Administration
The challenges faced by Newark coincided with an announcement from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who introduced a plan aimed at recruiting new air traffic controllers while incentivizing current staff to remain in their positions. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association expressed cautious optimism regarding these proposals but emphasized that significant updates to the system’s technology and infrastructure are also urgently needed.
Duffy remarked, “I visited with our hardworking air traffic controllers as we work to fix these equipment outages caused by outdated technology.” The push to enhance the air traffic controller workforce aligns with the administration’s broader goal of modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system.
Broader Considerations for Airlines
United Airlines’ decision to reduce its flight schedule comes during a particularly uncertain time for U.S. airlines. Concerns regarding air travel safety amid ongoing FAA staffing changes have compounded the difficulties. Additionally, fluctuations in the economy due to President Trump’s trade decisions are causing potential travelers to reconsider flying for both work and leisure.
In light of these uncertainties, United Airlines even provided two financial forecasts for the coming year, one assuming a recession and the other under more favorable economic conditions.
From Newark, United operates flights to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations, making it a crucial hub for the airline and its regional partners.
Reported by: Choe for the Associated Press