Newark Airport Woes Spark Travel Chaos, Experts Suggest Alternatives
Flight passengers utilizing Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are facing a gauntlet of travel disruptions, prompting anxieties and triggering a surge in alternative transportation options, according to recent reports and passenger testimonials. The ongoing issues, ranging from staffing shortages and weather-related complications to construction and reported radar glitches, have led to significant delays and raised concerns about the reliability of air travel through the New Jersey hub.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented ground delays at EWR due to a confluence of factors. Compounding the problem, a recent report indicated that air traffic controllers experienced a brief lapse in radar and radio signals, further destabilizing the already strained system.
Brandon Blewett, a Texas-based author and travel expert, shared his perspective with Fox News Digital, acknowledging EWR’s recent unreliability. Despite this, he stated he would still use the airport if necessary, but with strategic considerations. "If it was New Jersey, I’d likely still fly into Newark but choose the earliest flights, which typically face fewer delays," Blewett advised. He strongly cautioned against connecting flights through EWR, emphasizing the increased risk of disruptions. "I’d avoid any connections through EWR right now … for better reliability," he stated.
For travelers bound to or originating from New York City, Blewett suggested exploring alternative airport options. "I’d consider alternatives to EWR like LGA and JFK until the runway reopens and ATC staffing stabilizes," he recommended. While acknowledging potential traffic inconveniences, he argued that these alternatives might offer a more predictable travel experience in the short term. "It may be more of a headache in traffic, but it seems you’re less likely to be stranded for the time being," Blewett added.
Gary Leff, another Texas-based travel industry expert and blogger, echoed the sentiment, particularly for connecting flights. He advised passengers to avoid New York airports when possible. "If you’re connecting, it’s often a good idea to avoid New York airports," Leff stated. For those originating their journeys in New York, he emphasized the importance of considering their location within the city when choosing an airport. "If you originate in New York, it really depends on where in the city you’re based," he explained. He acknowledged the severity of the problems at Newark but cautioned against automatically switching to JFK, especially for residents of Staten Island. "While Newark is facing significant problems right now, I’m not sure I’d bounce over to JFK if I lived on Staten Island," he added. "Weigh the evils."
The frustrations of passengers have spilled over onto social media platforms. A Reddit post titled "Newark airport unsafe???" on the r/newjersey forum has generated significant engagement, with over 1,000 reactions and hundreds of comments. The original poster questioned the wisdom of switching their EWR flight to JFK, expressing anxiety about the situation. "Should I do the unthinkable and switch my EWR flight this weekend to JFK? how nervous should we be about this?" the user asked.
Other Reddit users shared their recent experiences at EWR. "I just flew into Newark this morning from New Mexico. I survived," one user quipped. Another recounted a series of unfortunate events: "Just flew into EWR … Flight delayed 1 hr, checked in bags on a different flight (2.5 hrs later) because of plane weight issues, and had to be pulled by a tug because the plane overshot the jet bridge by 1.5 ft." Yet another user described their recent experience as simply "annoying," while another lamented the constantly changing flight times and considered switching to LaGuardia or Trenton.
The underlying cause of the disruptions, according to one Redditor, is the shortage of air traffic controllers. "The issue is [that] air traffic controllers are in demand and they’re very understaffed," the user stated. "EWR obviously has a lot of traffic, so I kind of get it."
Amid the airport chaos, bus companies are reporting a surge in ridership. A spokesperson for Flix North America, the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound, confirmed a significant increase in passengers at their Newark location. "We can confirm Flix North America has seen a 35% increase in originating passengers at our Newark location across both Greyhound and FlixBus within a span of just three days," the spokesperson stated. Furthermore, ticket sales at the Newark location are up more than 80% year over year.
The Flix North America spokesperson emphasized the role of bus travel as a reliable alternative during times of airport disruptions. "In times like these, bus travel serves as a vital alternative, offering travelers an affordable, accessible and dependable way to reach their destinations," the spokesperson said, adding that the company is prepared to accommodate passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays. "We are closely monitoring the situation and are well-prepared to welcome passengers impacted by flight cancellations and delays."
The situation at Newark Liberty International Airport highlights the fragility of air travel infrastructure and the ripple effects of staffing shortages, weather events, and construction projects. As passengers navigate these challenges, experts recommend considering alternative airports, exploring bus travel options, and remaining flexible with travel plans. The ongoing disruptions underscore the need for proactive measures to address the underlying issues affecting EWR and other major airports to ensure a more reliable and predictable travel experience for all. The spike in bus ridership further underscores the value of diverse transportation options, particularly when air travel faces turbulence. Passengers should continue to monitor the situation and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances and travel priorities.
