Newark Liberty International Airport has faced significant delays and canceled flights for days due to equipment issues, staffing shortages, and runway construction.
The chaos left some travelers stranded at Newark Airport for extended periods of time.
According to PIX11, United Airlines canceled dozens of round-trip flights to Newark this weekend.
“United CEO Scott Kirby says existing staffing issues at the airport were exacerbated after 20% of FAA controllers walked off the job,” the outlet noted.
“Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years, and without these controllers, it’s now clear – and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” Kirby said, according to PIX11.
“Air travel nightmare. Total meltdown at Newark Liberty Airport. 8 hours to get baggage. 12 hours on the tarmac. Travelers delayed for days. Aviation experts say be prepared for this to keep happening,” ABC7 NY reporter CeFaan Kim said.
WATCH:
Air travel nightmare. Total meltdown at Newark Liberty Airport. 8 hours to get baggage. 12 hours on the tarmac. Travelers delayed for days. Aviation experts say be prepared for this to keep happening. pic.twitter.com/prFUA8jCcb
— CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) April 29, 2025
PIX11 reports:
A spokesperson for the FAA told PIX11 News that the agency would be slowing arrivals and departures at Newark Airport because of multiple factors including equipment issues, runway construction at Newark and staffing issues.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information before heading to the airport.
Major Flight delays again in Newark.
FAA officials cite ‘staffing issues.’ The CEO of United Airlines says, “over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport) walked off the job.” pic.twitter.com/rvs4EpXddM— Booker (@RealBookerScott) May 3, 2025
LISTEN TO AIRCRAFTS ASKING ATC WHETHER TO SHUT DOWN THEIR ENGINES AND WAIT ON THE TARMAC AT NEWARK AIRPORT.
Day 6 of FAA Ground Delay at Newark (EWR) due to chronic ATC staffing shortages.
Today’s delays are averaging 1h 43m, with some reaching up to 5h 30m.Program Rate: As low… pic.twitter.com/CZuKjsWWyg
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) May 3, 2025
Per NBC New York:
Passengers traveling through Newark Airport on Thursday again dealt with significant delays due to FAA staffing shortages.
In the morning, the FAA was reporting shortages leading to departing flights being delayed by an average of 75 minutes and arriving flights delayed by an average of five hours, the airport said. The maximum delay was listed on the FAA website as possibly lasting up to 10 hours.
“Newark Liberty International Airport is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airline partners, the FAA, and other stakeholders to support operations and assist impacted passengers,” according to the Port Authority, which manages the airport.
The FAA reported Newark Airport was in a ground delay program shortly after 11 a.m. An earlier ground stop, which had the potential to hold flights, was canceled.
By the evening, departure delays had been all but eliminated, with flights leaving the transportation hub on time or close to it. Arrivals into Newark were still a different story, with the average delay about five hours. That number was expected to last through the evening.
In addition to equipment issues and staffing shortages, Newark Airport has periods where only one runway is available for operations due to construction.
“One of our runways is closed for necessary repairs from now until mid-June 2025. We are working with our airline partners to minimize impacts, but please check with your airline for updates as flight schedules may be affected,” the airport stated on social media.
One of our runways is closed for necessary repairs from now until mid-June 2025. We are working with our airline partners to minimize impacts, but please check with your airline for updates as flight schedules may be affected. To learn more: https://t.co/DczEyvHcTq . *JC
— Newark Liberty International Airport (@EWRairport) May 1, 2025
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