Newark, New Jersey — A persistent shortage of certified air traffic controllers in the United States has resulted in significant flight delays, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport, which has experienced disruptions for a record-setting seven consecutive days. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a Ground Delay Program on Sunday, causing flights to be delayed by nearly four hours on average.
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing delays. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby cited a walk-off by some Newark air traffic controllers, the rehabilitation of a runway, and outdated technology as pivotal issues. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized that the facility responsible for managing traffic at Newark has been “chronically understaffed” for years.
Travelers have expressed anxiety over the staffing deficit. Geraldine Wallace, whose flight was delayed for three hours, voiced hope for a resolution. Despite acknowledging the staffing issues as a cause for the delays, the FAA has yet to provide specifics regarding the situation at Newark Airport.
As one of the nation’s busiest airports, Newark is classified as the 14th most trafficked in the country, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. United Airlines reported that 127 flights were delayed and 20 cancelled, forcing passengers to consider rescheduling their travel plans. Kirby also noted that technology failures have exacerbated the delays, highlighting instances where critical systems for managing incoming and outgoing flights malfunctioned.
Secretary Duffy pointed to the antiquated technology in use at Newark, describing the system as “incredibly old.” He stated that current equipment, which includes components as outdated as floppy disks, is not equipped to handle the volume of air traffic today. Although the system remains safe, its age has contributed to the disruption of numerous flights.
The need for upgraded technology is urgent, as Duffy indicated that implementing a state-of-the-art air traffic control system could take three to four years. Furthermore, he called on Congress to provide the necessary funding to support this modernization initiative.
The staffing crisis is compounded by the need for over 3,000 new air traffic controllers, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The workforce at Newark has struggled with chronic understaffing, making it evident that the airport cannot manage the capacity required in the upcoming travel season. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has urged airlines operating out of Newark to reduce their flight schedules in light of these staffing shortages.
As summer travel approaches, the situation has worsened, with an FAA analysis revealing over 14 consecutive days of mandated delays for flights at Newark. The airport is also undergoing runway rehabilitation, which will further limit its operational capacity.
Nationally, air traffic controller staffing is at its lowest level in nearly three decades, with only about 70% of necessary positions filled as of September 2023. Although training programs and salary increases have been introduced to encourage recruitment, the stringent certification requirements and demanding nature of the job present significant challenges.
In an effort to address the workforce shortage, new incentive programs aim to attract potential trainees and retain experienced controllers. Airlines and regulatory bodies are now under pressure to collaborate effectively and address these pressing issues to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
As passengers continue to face delays, concerns over equipment reliability and controller staffing persist. Travelers like Wallace and Michael Tassone have voiced apprehensions about both the personnel shortages and the outdated technology. With renewed attention on air traffic control issues following recent aviation incidents, stakeholders emphasize the importance of addressing these systemic problems to enhance overall safety and restore confidence in air travel.