‘Most Reliable Summer’: How United Rebounded at Newark

Airline says it has recovered from air traffic control issues and runway construction earlier in the year.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

United CEO Scott Kirby speaks in front of one of the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft during an event at the company’s hangar near Newark Liberty International Airport. [Credit: Jack Daleo/FLYING]

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines achieved its most reliable summer operations ever at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR), reporting a 70.1% on-time rate after overcoming earlier disruptions from runway construction and air traffic control issues.
This improved operational performance was significantly aided by FAA infrastructure upgrades, such as replacing old copper wiring with fiber optic cables, which will allow United to further grow its schedule and international service.
United plans substantial future investments in Newark, including hiring over 2,500 personnel, becoming the first to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) there, and expanding its international routes with a target of 100 widebody departures per day, solidifying Newark as its "crown jewel" hub.

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After a tumultuous spring during which runway construction and air traffic control staffing and equipment problems disrupted hundreds of flights, United Airlines had the “most reliable summer operationally that we have ever had” at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR), CEO Scott Kirby said Tuesday.

The airline said more than 6 million United passengers flew on time through Newark this summer, with a 70.1 percent on-time rate actually beating its performance at LaGuardia (KLGA) and John F. Kennedy International (KJFK). Speaking during an event in the airline’s hangar near Newark, Toby Ennqvist, United’s executive vice president and global chief operations officer, said its busiest day at the airport was August 16, when it flew about 650,000 customers.