The turbulence originates from the ground.
On Friday, United Airlines announced a reduction of 35 round-trip flights each day at Newark Liberty International Airport. They attributed this decision to technological issues and staffing challenges at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Consequently, some flights, such as one from Boston, have been significantly delayed for over five days.
This weekend marks the beginning of cancellations, which will affect about 10% of services at major East Coast airports. The situation has practically “halted operations” due to malfunctioning systems, impacting nearly a quarter of the FAA air traffic controllers at Newark. It’s created a ground delay affecting air traffic into New York City airports.
“It’s unfortunate to further reduce an already limited schedule at Newark, but we believe we have no choice. We need to protect our customers, as the issues caused by staffing shortages at the FAA can’t be resolved quickly,” a message from United to its customers stated on Friday.
“Recently, several crucial technologies that FAA controllers depend on for managing flights in and out of Newark have malfunctioned, leading to numerous cancellations, and, most distressingly, thousands of disrupted travel plans,” they added.
Concerns over technology issues were echoed by Kirby, who mentioned that “more than 20% of the FAA controllers at EWR have left their positions.”
A Newark air traffic controller who wished to remain anonymous shared that they lost radar capability on Monday and radio function on Wednesday. According to NBC News.
“We need changes. This situation isn’t safe for the public,” the controller remarked to the outlet.
As a result of this, United Airlines Flight 2016 from Boston’s Logan Airport was delayed by 5 hours and 38 minutes on Friday. Flight statistics show that.
Driving from Logan to New Jersey takes almost four hours, as per Google Maps.
Another example is El Al Flight 27 from Tel Aviv to Newark, which was delayed for a staggering 12 hours and 48 minutes. Flight data indicates.
The FAA issued ground delays for incoming flights to Newark, predicting delays averaging 127 minutes. This was communicated on Friday night.
“We continue to urge the FAA to tackle ongoing staffing issues and expedite long-term technological upgrades that are causing these delays in the busiest air corridor in the country,” remarked the New Jersey Port Authority in a statement.
“The Port Authority has poured billions into modernizing Newark Liberty, but the benefits are contingent on staffing and the federal air traffic system being up to date.”
The FAA hasn’t shared specific information regarding the staffing and technical problems at Philadelphia’s Terminal Radar Approach Control, yet Transport Secretary Shawn Duffy visited the site on Friday.
“Today, we’re connecting with dedicated air traffic controllers in Philadelphia to tackle these equipment failures caused by outdated technology. It’s simply not acceptable. We’re dedicated to enhancing our systems,” Duffy commented on X on Friday.
Kirby acknowledged the proposals made during the Trump administration aimed at comprehensive investment in FAA technology and infrastructure, but emphasized the need to address immediate issues in Newark without delay.
Moreover, Kirby has requested that EWR be classified as a Level 3 Slot Controlled Airport. In the communication to customers, it was stated that Newark International has officially recognized its limitations in handling high traffic volumes.
