Newark Liberty International Airport is grappling with severe operational disruptions due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, prompting United Airlines to cancel 35 daily roundtrip flights. The staffing crisis has led to significant delays and raised safety concerns, with an air traffic controller reportedly advising travelers to avoid the airport altogether.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby highlighted that over 20% of the airport’s air traffic controllers have recently left their positions, exacerbating the situation. He emphasized that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the airport’s inability to handle the current volume of flights safely.
The FAA has been contending with longstanding staffing shortages, with nearly 2,000 controller positions unfilled as of September 2023. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced initiatives to recruit and retain air traffic controllers, including financial incentives and a $5,000 bonus for academy graduates.
The crisis has led to widespread delays, with inbound flights experiencing waits exceeding two hours. The situation has also impacted flights nationwide, including cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago.
In response to the disruptions, United Airlines is implementing measures to mitigate the impact, such as reducing flights during peak hours and investing in crew scheduling resources. The airline is also advocating for the reclassification of Newark as a “Level 3” airport to allow for better flight scheduling based on capacity.
As the FAA works to address the staffing shortages and modernize its infrastructure, travelers are advised to check flight statuses and prepare for potential delays when flying through Newark Liberty International Airport.
