United Airlines Reduces 35 Daily Flights at Newark Airport: What You Need to Know About the Air Traffic Controller Shortage

Passengers traveling to or from Newark Liberty International Airport faced significant delays and cancellations on Saturday. The reason? A nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.

United Airlines experienced disruptions throughout the week, ultimately cutting 35 daily flights from Newark starting Saturday. United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, pointed to a series of technology failures at the airport that left the operations struggling. He noted that the staffing situation had been a lingering issue, stating that the airport could no longer manage its scheduled traffic without enough controllers.

Recent FAA reports highlighted that flights arriving at Newark were delayed by nearly two hours on average, with some facing delays up to five hours. Departing flights were not far behind, averaging 45-minute delays. By the afternoon, arriving flights ran over three hours late, though departures had improved slightly.

One factor complicating matters was that more than 20% of Newark’s traffic controllers had been absent from work. This heavy turnover exacerbated existing staffing issues and strived to deliver smoother operations.

In an effort to combat this pressing problem, the Trump administration announced plans to recruit more air traffic controllers and incentivize current ones to stay on the job. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the program aims to bolster the controller workforce as part of a broader initiative to modernize air traffic management.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) acknowledged these recruitment measures but stressed the need for upgrades to the aging technology and infrastructure that have hindered operations for years. They described the system as needing long-overdue improvements.

Beyond the workforce challenges, United’s decision to reduce flights also comes at a time of uncertainty for the airline industry. With ongoing concerns about economic impacts from factors like trade disputes, potential travelers are reconsidering their flying plans. In fact, United recently issued two different financial forecasts for the year—one anticipating a recession and another assuming stable economic conditions.

From Newark, United connects travelers to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations. As passengers navigate these delays and uncertainty, it’s clear the challenges facing airlines are not just about staffing but also about adapting to a rapidly changing travel landscape.

For more information on Newark Liberty International Airport and real-time updates, you can visit FlightAware’s "misery map" and FAA’s airport status page.

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