United Airlines Cuts Flights Amid Staffing Shortages at Newark Airport

NEWARK, N.J. — United Airlines announced Friday it will cancel 35 round-trip flights a day from Newark Liberty International Airport starting this weekend. The decision follows a walkout by air traffic controllers, worsening existing delays attributed to staffing shortages and outdated technology within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

CEO Scott Kirby expressed disappointment over the schedule cuts, emphasizing that resolving the FAA’s structural staffing issues in the near term was not feasible. “We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” he stated in a letter to clients.

The flight cancellations represent about 10% of United’s daily operations at Newark. Over the past week, travel disruptions have become significant, with more than 300 flights delayed on Friday alone. Kirby noted that 20% of the air traffic controllers at Newark have “walked off the job,” further complicating air traffic management.

“This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years, and without these controllers, it’s now clear Newark Airport cannot handle the number of planes scheduled in the weeks and months ahead,” Kirby added.

The staffing challenges have been exacerbated by ongoing runway construction at Newark, along with other technology issues at the FAA’s Philadelphia TRACON, the facility responsible for the area’s air traffic.

As travel demand surges, especially in summer, experts warn that without immediate solutions, delays and cancellations might worsen. Kirby has urged the FAA to implement flight restrictions similar to those at other crowded airports, such as New York’s LaGuardia.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the situation with Kirby, highlighting the urgent need for a modernized air traffic control system to address the long-standing issues.

In an effort to assist passengers impacted by the Newark disruptions, United will waive change fees and fare differences, aiming to provide a solution amidst the travel chaos.