In recent weeks, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has faced significant operational challenges, resulting in over a week of delays affecting thousands of travelers. The chaos ensued when air traffic controllers experienced a loss of communication with the aircraft they were managing. This unfortunate incident has not only disrupted flight schedules but has also raised concerns about the safety and efficiency of air traffic control systems.
On April 28, the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which is responsible for coordinating planes arriving at Newark, reported a temporary loss of radar and communication with aircraft under their control. This issue meant that controllers were unable to see, hear, or communicate with the planes, creating a significant safety risk. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the connectivity failures between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar and the communication frequencies used by controllers completely failed.
As a direct result of this traumatic incident, five FAA employees took 45 days of leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which allows federal workers to take time off when they experience traumatic events on the job. This staffing shortage has compounded the delays, pushing the situation into an unprecedented eighth day.
As of Monday afternoon, more than 150 flights into or out of Newark Airport were canceled, while over 250 flights experienced delays, according to FlightAware. The FAA implemented a brief ground stop at Newark due to low cloud cover, although this was later lifted. However, the agency has warned travelers to expect nearly four-hour delays for inbound flights, indicating ongoing staffing and operational challenges.
The crisis at Newark Airport can be attributed to a nationwide air traffic controller staffing shortage, worsened by reports that over 20% of FAA controllers at Newark had taken leave. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's comments regarding controllers "walking off the job" sparked backlash from the aviation community. The controller’s union clarified that the affected employees took leave due to the traumatic incident, emphasizing that their absence was not a simple walk-off.
One source familiar with the situation stated, “The controllers didn’t just walk off the job; they were traumatized by the equipment failure.” The union asserts that under federal regulations, controllers experiencing a traumatic event are entitled to take time off to seek psychological support.
Travelers, such as Canadian tourists Greg Marszalek and Stephen Lance, found themselves grounded at Newark due to multiple delays while trying to return home after celebrating their birthdays. They expressed frustration and considered alternative travel options, saying, “We can rent a car and just drive up to the border.”
Industry experts are voicing concerns about the safety implications of the situation at Newark. Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, labeled the conditions as “ridiculous,” emphasizing that when controllers work under extreme pressure, it impacts overall safety. He advised travelers to consider alternative routes, stating, “You cannot expect humans to function at their highest level for sustained periods of time with this kind of pressure.”
In response to the turmoil at Newark, Senator Chuck Schumer has directed the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General to investigate the issues before they escalate nationwide. Schumer highlighted that the chaos at Newark could serve as a warning sign if the FAA does not implement effective solutions. He cited previous staffing cuts under the Trump administration as a contributing factor to the current predicament.
Over the weekend, Newark Airport witnessed about 225 flight cancellations and more than 950 delays, driven by a combination of factors, including controller shortages, runway closures, and outdated technology. United Airlines has been particularly affected, with Kirby noting that the control facility has been chronically understaffed for years, and the technology failures have exacerbated the situation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has acknowledged the outdated air traffic control system at Newark as a contributor to the delays and has pledged to implement a new system. However, this upgrade is projected to take three to four years to fully operationalize, leaving travelers and industry stakeholders anxious about the future of air travel at Newark Airport.
