Travelers Brace for Ongoing Delays: Newark Airport Chaos Continues into Its Second Week

Passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport faced a challenging day on Monday. Cancellations and long delays continued as air traffic disruptions persisted into the second week. Low clouds caused the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pause departures to Newark, resulting in average delays of four hours. Over 200 flights were delayed according to FlightAware.

Last week’s disruptions started when the Philadelphia air traffic control center encountered equipment failures and staffing shortages. Compounding the issue, one of Newark’s runways is under construction, while air traffic control centers nationwide suffer from similar staffing issues. United Airlines reported cutting 35 round-trip flights daily from Newark.

The atmosphere in the United terminal appeared calm, but frustrated travelers expressed discontent with the online customer service options provided after cancellations.

In response to the ongoing issues, Senator Chuck Schumer from New York has called for an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General. He emphasized the need to address safety and technology concerns within the FAA. “This is not just minor turbulence; it’s a serious problem,” he said at a news conference.

The chaos at Newark highlights broader challenges in the aviation industry. A recent report indicates that in 2022, flight cancellations were up 20% compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to lingering impacts from the pandemic, staffing shortages, and outdated infrastructure.

As travel demand continues to rise, challenges like these raise concerns among passengers and industry experts alike. Navigating air travel may require more patience than ever as airports grapple with these ongoing issues.



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Airlines and Airplanes,Newark (NJ),Air Traffic Control,Delays (Transportation),Layoffs and Job Reductions,Kirby, Scott (1967- ),New Jersey