What's happened
Newark Liberty International Airport is set to reduce its operations from 77 to 28 departures and arrivals per hour due to ongoing air traffic control staffing shortages and runway construction. The FAA aims to alleviate excessive delays and improve safety following multiple technology outages and controller trauma leaves.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Newark Liberty International Airport is currently limited to 28 departures and arrivals per hour due to air traffic control issues and ongoing construction.
- The FAA has implemented these restrictions to manage safety and operational efficiency amid staffing shortages.
Staffing Crisis
- The airport has faced a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, with only 63% of the target staffing level currently met.
- Trauma leaves taken by controllers following outages have exacerbated the situation, leading to operational chaos.
Future Outlook
- The FAA plans to increase the operational cap to 34 flights per hour after June 15, 2025, when runway construction is expected to ease.
- Long-term solutions include upgrading radar systems and increasing controller hiring, but these will take time to implement.
Implications for Travelers
- Passengers can expect continued delays and cancellations as airlines adjust their schedules to comply with the new limits.
- The situation highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investment in the U.S. air traffic control system to prevent future disruptions.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the FAA's decision to limit Newark's operations stems from a series of air traffic control outages that began in late April, which left controllers unable to communicate with pilots. Business Insider UK emphasizes the impact of these outages, noting that delays have reached up to five hours for passengers. The Independent reports that the FAA's interim rule is a direct response to the trauma leaves taken by controllers, which have left the facility understaffed. The consensus across these sources indicates a critical need for immediate action to address both staffing and technological deficiencies in the air traffic control system.
How we got here
The operational challenges at Newark began with a series of air traffic control outages starting April 28, 2025, leading to significant staffing shortages. The FAA's response includes capping flight operations and addressing technical issues with radar systems.
Go deeper
- What caused the air traffic control outages?
- How will these changes affect flight schedules?
- What is the FAA doing to resolve the staffing issues?
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