Air Traffic Control Chaos: Staffing Crisis Hits Newark Liberty International Airport
Airport staffing shortages and runway repairs instigate cancellation of numerous flights and delays at Newark Airport.
Get the lowdown on the air traffic control mess at Newark Liberty International Airport, where staffing shortages and outdated technology are causing major headaches for travelers.
Newark Liberty International Airport, located in New Jersey, is currently in a pickle due to a combination of air traffic control staffing shortages and construction on a runway. Consequently, over 200 flight delays and around 20 cancellations were reported on Friday, as per FlightAware, and incoming flights are experiencing delays averaging approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes[1]. The situation was much graver the previous day, with more than 500 delayed flights and over 200 cancellations[1].
This predicament prompted a user on X to ask when the construction would end, to which the airport replied that repairs on the runway won't be completed until mid-June 2025[1]. Another user inquired about the staffing issues, and the airport responded that persisting FAA staffing challenges are causing operational disruptions[1].
FAA remained tight-lipped in response to Fox News Digital's queries regarding staffing shortages and travel disturbances[1]. United Airlines CEO comments that the FAA needs to rectify three things for American travelers to enjoy "much better" services only serve to highlight the issue[1].
Modernization Efforts Fall Short
Newark International seems to be a victim of the broader issue of staffing shortages and aging technologies across the FAA. A recent incident at Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which handles Newark airspace, highlighted the need for improvement. The FAA has resorted to restricting arrivals and departures to 24-28 per hour to ensure safe operations due to the staffing crisis, and these measures are likely to continue till mid-June when the runway construction project finishes and some controllers return from leave[1][2].
To tackle the issue, the FAA is planning to invest $12.5 billion over the next five years to upgrade its technology infrastructure, including radar systems and communication equipment[3]. On top of that, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved a budget for modernizing the air traffic control system and addressing staffing shortages[3]. The FAA is currently short of about 3,500 air traffic controllers, with some controllers working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks due to the persistent shortage[1][2].
FOX Business' Greg Norman and Reuters contributed to this report.
Enrichment Data:
- Staffing Levels: As per the available data, the Philadelphia TRACON, which handles Newark airspace, currently has 22 fully certified air traffic controllers and 5 supervisors[2][4]. Additionally, there are 21 controllers in training, with 10 of them certified on at least one position[2].
- Impact of Shortages: The shortage has led to flight limitations, with the FAA restricting arrivals and departures to 24-28 per hour to ensure safe operations[1][2]. this measure is expected to continue until mid-June when a runway construction project completes and some controllers return from leave[1][2].
- Recent Issues: Recent incidents, including communication failures, have exacerbated the staffing crisis, prompting some controllers to take trauma leave[1].
The staffing crisis at Newark Liberty International Airport, exacerbated by FAA staff shortages, is causing operational disruptions across various industries, including transportation and aviation. Meanwhile, financial implications are evident as the FAA plans to invest $12.5 billion over the next five years to modernize its technology infrastructure, focusing on radar systems and communication equipment to alleviate the problem.
