Newark, New Jersey — Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant disruptions, with flight cancellations and delays cascading into a second week as air traffic controllers grapple with the aftermath of a communication breakdown. This incident, which began on April 28, stems from controllers losing contact with aircraft due to failures in radar and communication systems operated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, responsible for managing traffic into and out of Newark, reported losing radar and communication capabilities. This failure rendered controllers unable to monitor incoming and departing flights, exacerbating an already challenging staffing situation. Sources indicate that over 20% of the controllers at Newark have taken leave citing traumatic stress from multiple operational failures.
The FAA has acknowledged that its aging air traffic control infrastructure is impacting operations and staff welfare. “Some controllers have taken leave to recover from the high stress caused by recent outages,” the agency stated. Training for new controllers continues, but replenishing the workforce in such a specialized field remains a slow process.
As a result of these operational challenges, Newark saw over 150 flight cancellations and more than 250 delayed flights by Monday afternoon, according to FlightAware. While early morning ground stops due to low cloud cover were lifted, delays of nearly four hours for inbound flights are expected to persist as controllers deal with staffing shortages.
Controversy surrounds comments made by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who indicated that controllers “walked off the job.” The controllers’ union clarified that staff took authorized leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, a program designed to support employees who experience trauma on the job. “These controllers did not walk out; they were affected by a serious incident and are entitled to this leave,” a union representative stated.
Travelers at Newark, such as Greg Marszalek and Stephen Lance, expressed frustration as delays compounded their travel plans. After witnessing multiple flight disruptions, they considered alternative means to reach home. “If this continues, we might just drive to the border,” Marszalek noted.
Former National Transportation Safety Board managing director Peter Goelz voiced concerns over the current safety conditions, stating that when air traffic controllers operate under excessive pressure, it affects the overall safety of the air travel system. “This situation is untenable, and people have every right to be worried about flying under these circumstances.”
Senator Chuck Schumer has called for a thorough investigation by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General. He expressed alarm over the chaos at Newark and warned that it could signify broader issues within the FAA that must be addressed quickly. Schumer criticized the agency’s response to long-standing issues and highlighted outdated technology as a contributing factor, asking, “Why are we still using copper wiring in 2025?”
Over the weekend alone, over 225 flights at Newark were canceled, with over 950 delayed, highlighting the cumulative impact of controller shortages, equipment failures, and other systemic issues. United Airlines has noted that the control facility managing Newark traffic has been consistently understaffed for years, further complicating operations during peak travel periods.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the role of outdated systems in the recent disruptions, promising that efforts are underway to implement a new air traffic control system. However, industry insiders warn that such advancements could take three to four years to materialize, raising concerns about the immediate future of air travel at Newark and beyond.