Newark Airport Faces Increased Flight Disruptions
NEW JERSEY – The turbulence at Newark Liberty International Airport continues, impacting air travel across the nation.
Overview of Recent Flight Disruptions
On May 3, Newark Airport reported over 350 delays and approximately 80 cancellations, as detailed by the flight-tracking service FlightAware. This situation has persisted through the weekend, causing significant anxiety for travelers.
Contributing Factors
Two primary factors are driving these interruptions:
- A critical shortage of personnel in air traffic control.
- Significant construction activities at the airport.
“Newark Airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.”
— Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines
Runway Construction Impacts Operations
The closure of Runway 4L-22R until mid-June is a significant issue, resulting from a rehabilitation project that costs approximately $121 million. This construction aims to enhance the infrastructure of the runway to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. In the interim, flights are being diverted to alternate runways, and there are instances when operations rely on just one active runway, leading to congestion.
Staffing Challenges at the FAA
A longstanding issue at Newark Airport has been the staffing shortages in air traffic control. Scott Kirby noted in a letter to customers that the facility has been “chronically understaffed for years.” In response to these challenges, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a new set of initiatives on May 1, aimed at bolstering the air traffic controller workforce.
Future Measures
In light of these ongoing challenges, Kirby mentioned the pullback of 35 daily round-trip flights from Newark’s schedule. He stated, “We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” indicating the urgency of addressing the travel disruptions.
Source: Reporting by FOX 5’s Duarte Geraldino
Conclusion
As Newark Liberty International Airport navigates these operational challenges, travelers should remain vigilant regarding potential delays and cancellations in the coming weeks.
