The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to meet with major airlines on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of implementing temporary cuts in flights at Newark Liberty International Airport to address ongoing disruptions. The discussions follow a series of issues at the airport, including runway construction, equipment malfunctions, and air traffic control staffing shortages. These challenges have led to significant delays and disruptions at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
The disruptions have been ongoing since April 28, with hundreds of flights affected, causing delays of up to five hours on some days. United Airlines, the largest carrier operating at Newark, recently announced that it had reduced 10% of its flights at the airport due to these issues. This reduction is part of a broader strategy by United to address congestion and improve operational efficiency in response to the construction and air traffic control staffing shortages that have plagued the airport.
The FAA’s challenges at Newark were compounded by a recent communications outage at the Philadelphia air traffic control facility that guides traffic into and out of Newark. This outage lasted 90 seconds and marked the second such incident in two weeks. In light of these ongoing disruptions, the FAA and airlines are exploring ways to alleviate congestion and prevent further delays.
United Airlines has historically operated 440 flights daily out of Newark but has now reduced this number to 293. The FAA had relocated control of Newark’s airspace to the Philadelphia facility last year in an effort to address staffing shortages and traffic congestion in the New York City area. In addition to these measures, United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, has urged the FAA to designate Newark as a slot-controlled airport. This would allow the FAA to limit the number of incoming and outgoing flights to reduce congestion and improve overall operations.
As air traffic controller staffing shortages continue to be a significant challenge, several major U.S. airlines have also requested the FAA to extend the temporary flight reduction measures at congested New York City-area airports through October 2027. These efforts aim to ensure more reliable and efficient air travel in the region.
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