Newark Airport Suffers Another 90-Second Radar Outage

FAA blames a radar and communications blackout at the Philadelphia installation that handles traffic in and out of the New Jersey facility.

Friday, May 09, 2025 at 03:21 PM ET

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Controllers who manage arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) have warned of equipment and communications issues for months. [Courtesy: George Wirt/Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Newark Airport's air traffic control has experienced multiple radar and communication outages recently, leading to significant flight disruptions and safety concerns due to outdated copper wiring.
These issues are exacerbated by a critical shortage of air traffic controllers and a controversial decision to transfer Newark's airspace management to the Philadelphia facility, which has been met with controller opposition and reports of communication breakdowns.
The Department of Transportation and FAA have introduced a comprehensive modernization plan, including upgrades to fiber optics and technology, and initiatives to boost controller hiring and salaries.
However, the implementation of these solutions is expected to take several years, indicating potential for ongoing disruptions at Newark and other facilities.

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For the second time in as many weeks, air traffic controllers (ATC) handling flights into and out of Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) were met with black screens, unable to see or talk to the aircraft under their watch. The incident is the latest in a worrying trend.

The FAA in a statement said controllers in Area C of the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility—who in July took over management of Newark’s airspace from a facility on Long Island, New York—lost communications and radar around 3:55 a.m. EDT on Friday. It said the disruption, which lasted about 90 seconds, was due to a telecommunications outage.

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.