Sixth Day of Major Delays at Newark Airport: FAA Blames Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortages

Air traffic delays are causing headaches for travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport near New York City. For six days in a row, flights have been delayed due to staffing issues with air traffic control.

On Saturday, delays averaged nearly two hours as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continued to address staffing shortages. This came after a series of delays that began earlier in the week, when technical problems resulted in over 100 United Airlines flights being canceled.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared that the situation at Newark is exacerbated by technology failures and a significant drop in available air traffic controllers. He noted that over 20% of the FAA’s controllers assigned to Newark have left their positions. As a result, United will be cutting 35 round-trip flights daily from Newark until conditions improve. Kirby emphasized that the airport has been understaffed for years, and without enough controllers, it can’t handle current flight volumes.

During a recent news conference, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau mentioned that an investigation is ongoing regarding the technological issues impacting operations. He pointed out the need for properly equipped and staffed control facilities to ensure safe air travel.

To address the controller shortage—which stands at around 3,000 nationwide—the Department of Transportation recently introduced financial incentives aimed at recruiting new controllers and retaining those who are nearing retirement. This includes a $5,000 bonus for new trainees and additional bonuses for controllers willing to work in hard-to-staff locations.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on the deteriorating situation, stating, “You’re starting to see cracks in the system.” He highlighted the urgency in addressing staffing issues before they lead to serious incidents.

These delays come at a challenging time, especially with the busy summer travel season approaching. The FAA had previously moved a key control facility from Long Island to Philadelphia in an effort to boost staffing at Newark. However, a recent analysis revealed that Newark is experiencing ongoing disruptions, including a runway rehabilitation project that is affecting one of its main runways until mid-June.

Recent data shows that nearly one in five flights to and from Newark were canceled, and over 40% of all departures and arrivals faced delays. This scenario reflects broader challenges in the aviation industry, which is grappling with increasing travel demand and persistent staffing shortages.

For further details on air traffic challenges, you can check out the FAA’s official website.



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