On Wednesday, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a 75-minute ground stop, attributed to “staffing issues” stemming from the ongoing federal government shutdown.
During this time, a flight was held on the ground from 3 PM to 4:15 PM, resulting in a 40-minute delay afterward. NBC 4 New York was the first to report on this situation. Previously, around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA personnel missed their first full paycheck, which has intensified the existing staffing shortages at the FAA. This issue has been particularly noted in recent years, especially following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, three other FAA advisories were issued on Wednesday, highlighting staffing shortages in Philadelphia’s Terminal Radar Approach Control Area, New York’s ARTCC, and Indianapolis’ ARTCC. To manage the situation, an approach control center in Philadelphia is set to oversee Newark’s aircraft sequencing, while the control center in Indianapolis will manage air traffic across the Midwest.
The FAA also cautioned that additional ground stops might occur at New York’s JFK Airport after 4 PM, as well as at Dallas-Fort Worth International and Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., until 10 PM.
Concerns about safety during this time were voiced by Democratic New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, who expressed his worries over air traffic control staffing. “It’s crucial that air traffic controllers are compensated and not become collateral damage,” Kim stated.
Nearly all Senate Democrats, including Kim, have repeatedly blocked Republican-backed measures aimed at ending the shutdown.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned that the FAA is short by roughly 3,000 employees, adding that controllers are worn out. He indicated that the previous day saw 22 staffing triggers, marking one of the highest counts since the shutdown took effect, highlighting that controllers are even seeking side jobs to cope. Reports show that controllers are taking up various roles—like delivering food or working as tutors—to make ends meet during the shutdown.
House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the stress faced by administrators because of the shutdown, attributing some of the blame to President Trump for not allowing negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. Jeffries emphasized the importance of collaboration to resolve the situation, expressing confidence in the professionalism of air traffic controllers and TSA workers during these challenging times.
