Flight Reductions at Newark Airport Loom Amid Mounting Air Traffic Control Failures

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is preparing to implement significant flight reductions at Newark Liberty International Airport as the facility grapples with a series of air traffic control failures, radar outages, and chronic staffing shortages. The move comes after three major system disruptions in just over two weeks, including a 45-minute ground stop on Sunday that led to widespread delays and cancellations.

FAA Proposes Temporary Flight Caps

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed capping Newark’s operations at 28 arrivals and departures per hour during ongoing runway construction, and 34 per hour otherwise, through October 25. This is a significant reduction from the airport’s typical capacity of over 70 flights per hour.

The FAA is set to discuss these proposed limits with major domestic airlines in a two-day meeting starting Wednesday. The goal is to alleviate overscheduling, minimise delays and cancellations, and manage the airport’s current operational limitations.

Infrastructure and Staffing Challenges

The recent disruptions have been attributed to outdated equipment and a significant shortfall of air traffic controllers. The FAA has acknowledged that the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which oversees Newark’s airspace, is operating with antiquated technology and is understaffed by approximately 3,500 controllers nationwide.

In response, Secretary Duffy has announced plans to replace existing copper phone lines between New York and Philadelphia with three new fibre-optic lines to improve reliability. Additionally, the FAA is forming an expert task force, including representatives from Verizon and L3Harris, to expedite permanent solutions.

Political Repercussions

Secretary Duffy has criticised the previous administration for failing to address these systemic issues, stating that the problems stem from longstanding technology problems and a shortage of staff that have persisted for decades.

Impact on Travellers

United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark, has already reduced its schedule by 35 daily round-trip flights to mitigate delays. Despite these challenges, United CEO Scott Kirby has reassured customers that it is “absolutely safe” to travel through Newark, emphasising that safety protocols are in place and that airlines, when directed by the FAA, reduce flight numbers to maintain safety standards.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and to anticipate potential delays as the FAA and airlines work to implement these changes.