Passengers traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey faced significant disruptions on Saturday due to an air traffic controller shortage.
The shortage, a nationwide issue, has prompted the Trump administration to pledge solutions.
United Airlines, in response to the staffing crisis, canceled 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule starting Saturday.
Cause of Disruptions
United CEO Scott Kirby attributed the disruptions to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) failure to address long-standing challenges related to the air traffic control system.
The technology used to manage planes at Newark airport failed multiple times in recent days, causing flight delays, cancellations, and diversions.
The situation worsened when over one-fifth of Newark’s traffic controllers “walked off the job,” exacerbating the issue.
Staffing Issues
According to Kirby, the air traffic control facility at Newark has been chronically understaffed for years.
The FAA’s data showed that staffing issues caused average delays of nearly two hours for arriving flights and 45 minutes for departures.
Two days prior, the airport had warned travelers about delays due to both staffing issues and construction.
Government Response
The Trump administration has been working to address the nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a program to recruit new controllers and offer incentives to existing ones to prevent retirements.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association acknowledged that these measures could help alleviate staffing shortages.
However, it emphasized the need for technology and infrastructure upgrades.
Impact on Airlines
United’s decision to reduce its flight schedule in Newark comes at an uncertain time for US airlines.
Potential customers are reconsidering air travel due to the unknowns surrounding President Trump’s trade war and its impact on the economy.
United recently took the unusual step of providing two separate financial forecasts for the year, one assuming a recession and the other assuming no recession.
Conclusion
The disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport highlight the need for the FAA and the Trump administration to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade the air traffic control system.
As the situation continues to unfold, passengers and airlines alike are facing significant challenges.
From Newark, United flies to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations.