• Newark Airport’s chaos resulted from a burned-out copper wire, staffing shortages, and a closed runway.
• United Airlines cut flights due to overcrowding and ongoing control tower staffing issues.
• Air traffic controller shortages and outdated technology continue to strain the FAA’s ability to manage air traffic.

Newark Airport’s Major Delays and Cancellations

Over the past week, Newark Liberty International Airport has been overwhelmed with delays, cancellations, and diversions. This created chaos, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Newark is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., and the situation has severely impacted passengers.

A Simple Mistake Set Off a Chain Reaction

The problems began on April 28, when a burned-out copper wire caused a major outage. This led to air traffic controllers losing radar and communication for 90 seconds. The loss of control set off a domino effect. Many flights were delayed or canceled, affecting travelers for days. The FAA traced the issue to this single event, but it wasn’t the only cause.

FAA’s Staffing Problems and Runway Closures

The FAA also pointed out several other issues that contributed to the chaos. The Philadelphia air traffic control center, responsible for Newark, has long had staffing shortages. These shortages made it difficult to manage the high volume of traffic. Additionally, a construction project is blocking one of Newark’s main runways until June. This adds even more strain to an already overburdened airport.

United Airlines’ Role in the Chaos

United Airlines plays a significant role in the issues at Newark. United is responsible for 75% of the flights at the airport. However, Newark is smaller than other major airports like John F. Kennedy in New York. It can’t handle the same number of flights. Experts, like aviation consultant Kyle Bailey, explain that Newark is too small for the volume it handles. He also mentions that while it’s an international hub, it doesn’t have the space or infrastructure of larger airports.

United’s Effort to Reduce the Impact

In response, United Airlines took action. The airline announced it would cut 35 daily flights from Newark’s schedule. This is part of an effort to reduce congestion and prevent further delays. United had already begun cutting back on flights before this announcement. CEO Scott Kirby stated that these cuts were necessary to improve the situation. He also explained that Newark’s air traffic control center had been understaffed for years. The problem has been ongoing, and now the airline is trying to make adjustments.

Stranded Travelers Speak Out

Many passengers, like Cody Stanley, found themselves stuck at Newark due to the delays. Cody was on his first-ever flight, traveling from Toronto to Greensboro, North Carolina. His flight was canceled three times, leaving him stranded at the airport. He was frustrated by the lack of communication and help from United Airlines. Cody said it felt like no one was willing to take the time to assist him. His experience shows how severe the airport’s problems have become.

Staffing Shortages at the FAA

The FAA has been facing staffing issues for several years. They’ve been short on air traffic controllers and rely on mandatory overtime to cover the gap. This shortage has only worsened over time. The agency has struggled to keep up with the demand for air traffic controllers, especially after a 2013 government shutdown. Additionally, air traffic controllers have a mandatory retirement age of 56, which adds to the staffing problems. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has warned that the shortage could affect the safety and capacity of the system if not addressed.

Efforts to Address the Staffing Crisis

To combat the shortage, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a \$5,000 bonus for new air traffic controllers. This is meant to attract more people to the job and ease the staffing crisis. However, Duffy also warned that if the shortage continues, the FAA will not be able to handle the current volume of air traffic. Without more controllers, delays and disruptions will keep happening. The FAA’s outdated technology also contributes to the problem. It affects the ability to quickly replace departing controllers. This is another factor that puts additional pressure on the system.

Political Blame and Public Reaction

The chaos at Newark has sparked a political debate. Some lawmakers, like Senator Chuck Schumer, blame the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for making cuts that led to staffing shortages at the FAA. Schumer called for an investigation into the situation. However, aviation experts like Kyle Bailey argue that the real problem is deeper than just cost-cutting. They believe the issue lies with the overall staffing shortages and lack of resources. Bailey suggests that the real solution is to address the core issues within the FAA, not blame cuts made by the government.

A Struggling System

The ongoing issues at Newark Airport highlight serious problems in the air traffic control system. Staffing shortages, outdated technology, and a small airport overwhelmed with traffic have created a perfect storm of delays and cancellations. The situation has left travelers frustrated and highlighted weaknesses in the U.S. air traffic control system. Unless these problems are addressed, Newark and other airports will continue to struggle.