Newark Airport Grapples with Ongoing Delays and Cancellations: A Perfect Storm of Staffing Shortages and Equipment Failures

Travelers utilizing Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are experiencing significant disruptions as the airport contends with a persistent wave of delays and cancellations. These issues stem from a confluence of factors, including critical air traffic control staffing shortages and recurring equipment failures. The situation has sparked concern across the industry, with United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby issuing a stark warning about the lack of a quick solution to the ongoing problems.

Kirby, whose airline maintains a major hub at Newark, conveyed his concerns in a letter to customers, stating that the "near-term structural FAA staffing issues" appear to be intractable. This sentiment underscores the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by both airlines and passengers alike.

Data from FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, further illustrates the scale of the problem. On Monday, Newark topped the list of U.S. airports for delays and cancellations, with 42 flights, representing 8% of departures, canceled before 9:45 a.m. ET. While this figure is lower than some of the worst days experienced in the previous week, it serves as a somber indicator for travelers as the peak summer travel season approaches.

A Chronic Staffing Shortage

The issue of air traffic control staffing shortages in the United States is not new. It has been a growing concern for several years, impacting airport operations nationwide. In a recent press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently short approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is actively working to address this deficit through various initiatives aimed at boosting hiring and incentivizing current controllers to postpone early retirement. However, Secretary Duffy emphasized that resolving the staffing shortage is a long-term process, stating, "We’re hoping in three to four years we can get to full staffing, not 20 years." He also acknowledged the immediate challenges, noting, "How do you make up the gap? We can’t snap our fingers to make up the numbers."

The staffing issue has been particularly acute in the New York City airspace, leading the FAA to impose capacity caps on airlines operating in the region. These caps limit the number of flights allowed to operate, aiming to mitigate congestion and improve air traffic flow. To date, the other two major airports in the New York metropolitan area, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), have not experienced similar levels of disruption, primarily because both airports have existing slot controls.

In an attempt to alleviate the pressure on Newark, the FAA relocated some air traffic controllers from a facility in New York to one in Philadelphia last year. However, this measure has not been without its own set of challenges, including persistent equipment problems.

Capacity Caps and Voluntary Schedule Reductions

CEO Kirby has been a vocal advocate for addressing the capacity constraints at Newark. He stated that United has been urging the U.S. government for years to "effectively limit the number of flights to what the airport can realistically handle." Kirby believes that the "past failure to make those changes had led to the circumstances that United and, most importantly, our customers now face."

In response to the ongoing disruptions, United Airlines has taken proactive steps to reduce its flight schedule at Newark. The airline is voluntarily canceling 35 round-trip flights per day in an effort to mitigate further disruptions and provide a more reliable travel experience for its customers.

Outdated Equipment and Technological Failures

In addition to staffing shortages, outdated equipment has been a contributing factor to the problems at Newark. Kirby highlighted that "on more than one occasion, technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on to manage the airplanes coming in and out of Newark airport failed." These failures have resulted in diverted flights, delayed and canceled flights, and significant disruption for travelers.

The equipment issues have been exacerbated by previous budget cuts at the FAA, which have impacted maintenance personnel responsible for equipment upkeep. Industry advocates have warned that equipment failures, already relatively common, will become more frequent as a result of these cuts.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Secretary Duffy announced that the FAA and DOT are planning a major announcement this week regarding new air traffic control equipment. This announcement could provide a much-needed boost to the technological infrastructure at Newark and other airports.

Tips for Travelers

Given the ongoing disruptions at Newark, travelers flying to, from, or through the airport should be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. Here are some tips to help navigate the situation:

• Be Patient: Delays and cancellations can be frustrating, but it is important to remain patient with airport and airline employees who are doing their best to assist passengers.
• Book Early Flights: Flights scheduled earlier in the day are generally less likely to be disrupted or canceled, as delays and cancellations often build up as the day progresses.
• Look for Alternative Flights: If your flight is delayed or canceled, proactively search for alternative flights and work with the airline to get rerouted.
• Understand Compensation Policies: Air traffic control and weather-related delays are often not considered issues within the airline’s control, so you may not be eligible for compensation if your flight is canceled or delayed. However, it is always worth asking the airline’s customer service team about your options.

Conclusion

The challenges facing Newark Airport underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to address air traffic control staffing shortages, equipment failures, and capacity constraints. While the DOT and FAA are working to resolve these issues, the process will take time. In the meantime, travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions and take steps to minimize their impact.