American Airlines’ chief financial officer Devon May acknowledged that some travelers are starting to avoid Newark Liberty International Airport in favor of other nearby airports, but described the shift as relatively minor within the broader scope of air travel. Speaking at a recent industry conference, May said that while there has been some diversion of bookings to airports such as LaGuardia, JFK, and to a lesser extent, Philadelphia, the overall impact on American Airlines’ operations remains modest. American currently holds a small market share of around 4% at Newark, according to data from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airport along with LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The change in passenger behavior follows a series of operational disruptions at Newark, including air traffic controller shortages, equipment failures, ongoing runway construction, and compounding issues from bad weather. In response to the ongoing challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily ordered airlines to reduce the number of flights at Newark to help ease congestion and improve service reliability. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to stabilize operations during a period marked by heightened demand and limited resources.
While American Airlines sees minimal disruption to its network, the situation is more significant for United Airlines, which maintains a dominant presence at Newark with nearly 70% of the airport’s total market share. United has responded proactively, announcing plans earlier in the month to cut approximately 35 daily flights in an effort to introduce more flexibility into its scheduling system. These changes are designed to reduce the likelihood of cascading delays and improve the customer experience.
Despite the FAA’s intervention and the slight reallocation of passenger traffic, Newark continues to serve as a critical hub in the northeastern United States. Its proximity to Manhattan and key transportation infrastructure makes it a vital node in the national and international travel landscape. However, the ongoing issues underscore the broader challenges facing U.S. airports and airlines, particularly those in high-density metropolitan areas where infrastructure strain is becoming more evident.
Airlines are now navigating a complex environment where operational resilience is being tested. Shortages in personnel, especially air traffic controllers, remain a key concern, while aging infrastructure and unpredictable weather patterns further complicate service delivery. Although the current book-away from Newark is not considered a major disruption for American Airlines, it illustrates the delicate balance airlines must strike between maintaining schedule reliability and adapting to evolving travel patterns and logistical constraints.
In the coming months, further adjustments may be necessary as the FAA continues to monitor congestion and capacity issues. Airlines are likely to refine their strategies to align with regulatory guidance while minimizing inconvenience to passengers. For now, the shift in traveler preferences appears contained, but it reflects a growing sensitivity among consumers to delays and disruptions, as well as the need for greater systemic improvements in the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
READ MORE: