A construction project on one of the key runways at Newark Liberty International Airport has been completed nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. This development is paving the way for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to potentially lift flight restrictions next week, despite the persistent lack of air traffic controllers.
The Federal Transportation Department announced on Monday that testing of some runway equipment is necessary before the FAA can raise the number of flights at Newark, which is the second busiest airport in the New York City region. While the newly constructed runway has already started accommodating departures since Monday, it won’t be operational for arrivals until post-testing, anticipated to conclude early next week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that if all procedures go smoothly, the runway would be certified by June 10.
The meticulous $121 million construction project was concluded 13 days ahead of its intended schedule, in an attempt to alleviate some airport issues. Nevertheless, earlier in the spring, Newark faced significant cancellation and delay issues due to an air traffic controller shortage. This was compounded by FAA technical problems that temporarily disrupted radar and communications at a Philadelphia facility, which manages Newark airport traffic.
Five air traffic controllers initiated 45-day trauma leaves following the initial radar and communication disruptions at the Philadelphia center on April 28, with another controller on medical leave. Consequently, the facility was left with only 16 certified controllers and five supervisors. Authorities revealed that 16 more seasoned controllers are currently undergoing training, and should receive certification between now and October.
According to Duffy, “the issue with controllers isn’t one that can be resolved overnight. Mastering this airspace takes extensive training,” adding that Philadelphia’s predicament is part of a national shortfall of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers.
The FAA had restricted Newark airport to 28 arrivals and 28 departures an hour due to ongoing construction and staffing shortages. It has expressed confidence that, upon completion of runway construction, the airport can handle an increased hourly flight capacity of 34 arrivals and 34 departures.
The air traffic controllers on extended trauma leave are expected to resume duties by mid-month. Even with their temporary absence, Duffy reassured that the FAA currently possesses sufficient personnel to manage the enhanced limit of 34 flights per hour.
Prior to this year’s air traffic control challenges, Newark airport typically managed 38 or 39 flights per hour.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby believes that the FAA’s firm flight limits at Newark airport could substantially boost its efficiency. Historically, airlines scheduled more flights per hour than feasible during peak periods, often leading to delays and cancellations.
“This agreement fostered by the FAA with the airlines marks a significant turning point for Newark in the long term,” stated Kirby.
Airlines had already anticipated the FAA’s measures to raise flight limits to 34 per hour, aligning their sales for mid-June and beyond with this cap.
To maintain passenger volume while flights remained restricted, United Airlines, Newark’s primary operator, deployed larger aircraft.
Despite these adjustments, the negative publicity surrounding operational issues has led to a drop in ticket sales. Kirby hinted that travelers might find competitive airfare rates at Newark if they choose to fly in the current period.
The FAA plans to reassess flight limits in October, with expectations that more controllers will be certified by then.
Following a second radar shutdown on May 9, the government upgraded software at the air traffic control facility. This upgrade effectively avoided another problem on May 11, where an issue was encountered with the radar signal transmission from New York.
Verizon has laid a new fiber optic line between Philadelphia and New York in response, but its activation is pending until July, after necessary testing.
Duffy remarked that while these issues were specific to Philadelphia, similar interruptions could occur nationally because the air traffic control system operates on outdated technology. Advocating for an expensive plan to revamp the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure, Duffy is actively seeking Congressional support, despite proposed federal budget reductions.