Newark Airport Faces Major Delays Amid Staffing Shortages and Weather Issues

NEWARK, New Jersey – Passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport are facing significant delays on Thursday due to a combination of air traffic control staffing shortages, weather problems in other regions, and ongoing runway construction.

According to United Airlines, challenges at the airport stem from limited air traffic control staffing, technology outages, and gusty winds, impacting flight operations. “We diverted 21 flights to alternate airports and delayed numerous others from their departure cities,” the airline reported.

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving conditions, stating, “We want to ensure that our air traffic controllers have reliable equipment and proper training.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to unveil a plan to revamp air traffic control management next week.

By noon on Thursday, the average arrival delay into Newark had reached over five hours, while departures were typically held back by an hour and 25 minutes. Flight cancellations totaled at least 169, and 332 flights faced delays.

A brief radio frequency outage at air traffic control around 1 a.m. caused additional flight diversions, exacerbating an already challenging situation that included runway construction and staffing issues. Josh Kramer, a passenger caught in this disruption, shared, “We sat on the tarmac from roughly 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. because Dulles Airport didn’t open until 4.”

Scout Donohoe, who was traveling to his son’s wedding, reported similar difficulties. After his flight from Los Angeles to Dallas was diverted due to weather, he said, “Then we got stuck on the tarmac for an hour and a half because Newark had air traffic control issues with equipment.”

Minal Patel and other passengers echoed their frustrations as they dealt with last-minute cancellations and no rebooking options. “It just ruined the whole weekend,” she said after being told to return to the baggage carousel.

The Port Authority has stated it is coordinating efforts to assist those affected by the disruptions. As a solution, airlines are asking the FAA to extend an existing waiver that prevents penalties for flying fewer flights into New York City. This waiver was initially enacted due to previous air traffic control issues.