Travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport are growing increasingly anxious due to a series of recent issues affecting one of the busiest airports in the United States. With nearly 49 million passengers handled last year, Newark's reputation is on the line as two significant equipment outages have raised concerns about safety and reliability.
In the past two weeks, travelers have been alarmed by two separate equipment failures that caused disruptions in communications between air traffic controllers and pilots. The most recent incident occurred on Friday at around 4 a.m. EST, when a facility responsible for guiding air traffic experienced a 90-second communication outage. This followed an earlier outage on April 28, which also lasted approximately the same duration. Mikhail Liverpool, a traveler from Somerset County, expressed his concerns, stating, “It’s a little concerning that this is the second outage in under 30 days.”
These communication issues have led to heightened anxiety among passengers, many of whom are questioning the safety of flying from Newark. Flight delays and cancellations have surged, with the number of daily cancellations climbing from just 4 in early April to an alarming average of 49 flights per day since May 1, according to data from aviation analytics company Cirium. Furthermore, on-time departures have plummeted to a mere 63%, significantly below the industry standard of approximately 80%.
Allison Miles, a traveler from Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared her frustration after experiencing an 8-hour flight delay from Houston to Newark. She indicated that she plans to avoid the airport in the future, saying, “I’ll probably stay home for a lot this year, because until they can figure this out, I’m not going to get out there.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced scrutiny for its handling of the situation, particularly regarding staffing and congestion in the New York area. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has attributed the delays to the airport's stretched infrastructure and has urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to designate Newark as a slot-controlled airport. This designation would allow the FAA to manage the number of flights entering and leaving the airport, potentially reducing delays.
As frustrations mount, some travelers are contemplating alternative airports. John Clark, a frequent flyer from Greenville, South Carolina, is among those considering a shift. He noted, “Every other week I’m traveling, and the only issues I have is traveling here.” Clark plans to switch to LaGuardia Airport in Queens, despite the longer commute to his New Jersey office, indicating a growing trend among passengers who are seeking more reliable travel options.
The ongoing disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport highlight significant challenges within the U.S. air traffic control system. While the FAA has voiced intentions to upgrade the aging infrastructure, substantial improvements may take years. In the meantime, the safety and satisfaction of travelers remain a pressing concern.
