Travellers using Newark Liberty International Airport faced significant delays and cancellations on Saturday owing to air traffic controller shortages, an issue the Trump administration has committed to resolve.
The New York City-adjacent airport experienced continuous disruptions throughout the week. United Airlines reduced 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule beginning Saturday, citing the Federal Aviation Administration‘s inability to address persistent air-traffic control system challenges.
United’s CEO Scott Kirby reported multiple failures of the aircraft management technology at the New Jersey airport recently. He noted that operational difficulties intensified when over 20% of Newark’s traffic controllers left their positions.
Kirby informed customers that the air traffic control facility has historically been understaffed. The FAA confirmed that Newark airport‘s current capacity cannot accommodate the scheduled flight volume for the forthcoming period.
FAA data indicated that staffing shortages resulted in average arrival delays of approximately two hours at Newark, whilst departures experienced 45-minute delays on average.
Newark Liberty International Airport previously attributed delays to both staffing limitations and construction work.
The Trump administration has initiated efforts to strengthen the air traffic controller workforce. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Thursday a scheme to attract new controllers and provide retention incentives for existing staff.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association supported these measures whilst highlighting the need for “long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades.”
On Friday, Duffy reported visiting air traffic controllers whilst addressing equipment failures caused by outdated systems.
United’s flight reduction at Newark coincides with broader airline industry uncertainty. Potential passengers are reassessing travel plans amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s trade policies’ economic impact.
The uncertainty prompted United to issue two distinct financial projections for the year, accounting for both recession and non-recession scenarios.
United operates flights to 76 domestic and 81 international destinations from Newark.
