Air traffic control staffing issues have caused significant delays for passengers flying in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport, a situation that has persisted for an unprecedented sixth day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited staffing as the cause of delays, with over 270 flights affected as of Saturday afternoon.
The issue is not new, but rather a long-standing problem at the airport, which has been chronically understaffed for years. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby attributed the delays to technology failures and the sudden departure of over 20% of FAA controllers. The airline will cancel 35 round-trip flights daily from its Newark schedule starting this weekend.
One passenger described an “unbearable delay” on her flight, highlighting the need for airlines to notify passengers ahead of time. Izabela Olito’s three-and-a-half hour delay was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by travelers at the airport.
The FAA has not commented officially on the staffing problems, but Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that equipment failures and inadequate staffing were contributing factors. The agency is working to address these issues through new financial incentives to hire air traffic controllers, including a $5,000 bonus for those who complete training.
A shortage of approximately 3,000 controllers in the US has been ongoing, with the FAA facing increasing pressure to address the issue. The situation has raised concerns about safety and the potential for future incidents. As the summer travel season approaches, the airport’s problems are likely to intensify, highlighting the need for urgent action to resolve these staffing challenges.
In related news, the Department of Transportation rolled out additional incentives to attract new air traffic controllers, including bonuses for those who stay on until retirement age. The FAA is also working to strengthen the workforce, following a recent relocation of a key control facility from Long Island to Philadelphia in an attempt to improve staffing numbers.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/02/us/newark-airport-delays-air-traffic-staffing