Air Traffic Delays Hit Newark Airport Amid System Failures
The air traffic control system's outdated technology and staffing shortages have created a perfect storm of delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of travelers and prompting calls for urgent reforms. The FAA's efforts to update its systems and safeguard telecommunications equipment are underway, but the situation remains volatile, with more delays expected at the airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant flight delays and cancellations due to a combination of staffing shortages, cloud cover, and technology failures, with United Airlines cutting 35 daily flights from its schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has attributed the delays to these factors, which have resulted in over 20% of air traffic controllers at Newark taking time off due to stress and fatigue.
The situation at Newark Airport reflects broader issues within the US air traffic control system, with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association calling for urgent reforms. Recent incidents, including a loss of communication between air traffic controllers and planes on April 28, have highlighted the need for upgrades to the outdated air traffic control system. The incident, which lasted for up to 90 seconds, prompted one pilot to ask "Approach, are you there?" and led to multiple employees taking trauma leave and hundreds of delayed flights.
The FAA has acknowledged that its antiquated air traffic control system is affecting its workforce, with at least five FAA employees taking 45 days of leave due to the incident, citing traumatic stress. The agency is updating its automated system and working to safeguard telecommunications equipment in the New York area. However, the staffing shortage has resulted in thousands of flight delays and cancellations, with 160 flights canceled and 375 delayed on Monday.
The incident has led to a nationwide air traffic controller staffing shortage, with the controllers' union disputing claims that over 20% of FAA controllers "walked off the job" at Newark Airport last week. Instead, the union says that controllers took leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act due to a traumatic event. As the situation continues to unfold, travelers can expect further disruptions to air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport.