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Newark Airport Enters Second Week of Disruptions After Controllers Take Leave

Travelers at Newark Liberty International are hit with major delays and cancellations for an eighth straight day.

Jack Daleo
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Edited By: Jack Daleo
United Airlines Newark Airport
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, which uses Newark as a hub, said air traffic controllers are walking off the job. [Courtesy: George Wirt/Shutterstock]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing its eighth consecutive day of severe flight disruptions, with hundreds of daily delays and cancellations significantly impacting operations and airlines like United.
  • These widespread issues are primarily driven by chronic air traffic controller staffing shortages (exacerbated by an airspace management transition to Philadelphia TRACON), outdated ATC equipment failures, and ongoing runway construction.
  • While the FAA is implementing new controller hiring incentives and a major overhaul of the "incredibly old" national ATC system is pledged, these long-term solutions will take several years, indicating continued disruptions for travelers.
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Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) is off to a troubling start to the week.

For the eighth consecutive day, the bustling airport in New Jersey is delaying and canceling hundreds of flights with no sign of a return to normalcy. According to FlightAware, Newark experienced 482 delays and 141 cancellations on Sunday alone. By 2 p.m. EDT on Monday, the flight tracker reported 270 delays and 150 cancellations.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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