FAA Proposes Extending Limit on Newark Operations

Staffing at facility that oversees the airspace has ‘not materially changed’ since June.

Jack Daleo

Monday, August 11, 2025 at 01:54 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

United Airlines, for which Newark Airport is a key hub, stands to gain the most from the proposed operational limits. [Courtesy: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA proposes to extend hourly flight operation limits at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) until October 2026 to address ongoing flight disruptions.
These proposed limits, including 72 operations per hour for most periods, are primarily a response to persistent air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages at the Philadelphia TRACON facility managing Newark's airspace.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby supports the proposal, noting that these measures have improved Newark's on-time performance and brought greater certainty to airlines and passengers, despite previous issues including equipment problems and changes in airspace management.

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Under a new FAA proposal, Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) could continue to operate with limits on hourly arrivals and departures through October 2026.

To combat flight disruptions due to a combination of staffing shortages, equipment issues, and runway construction, the regulator on Friday proposed limiting Newark Airport to 72 operations per hour through October 24, 2026. Due to ongoing construction on the airport’s runway 4L-22R, operations on weekends from September through the end of 2025 are capped at 56 per hour.