Charles Esther
Newark Liberty International Airport has been experiencing significant travel disruptions for over a week, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated.
The issues, which began on April 28, have only worsened due to a combination of staffing shortages at air traffic control (ATC), ongoing runway construction, and unpredictable weather.
These factors have forced United Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, to cancel 35 daily flights, amounting to roughly 10% of its Newark schedule.
The Confluence of Problems at Newark
The travel chaos at Newark has been caused by multiple factors working in tandem. One of the major contributors is the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers, a problem that has plagued Newark for some time. On top of that, the airport’s busiest runway has been closed for construction, which is expected to last until at least June. This has severely limited the number of flights that can land and take off at the airport. To make matters worse, New Jersey’s classic April rain showers have compounded delays, creating an even more challenging situation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, flights inbound to Newark were delayed by an average of more than four hours, marking the ninth consecutive day of major disruptions. This has led to widespread frustration among travelers and raised questions about how long these issues will persist.
Expert Advice: Consider Alternative Airports
Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group has suggested that travelers affected by the Newark chaos should consider alternative airports in the New York City area to avoid further disruptions. While John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are obvious alternatives, Harteveldt also pointed out lesser-known options such as Long Island MacArthur Airport and Westchester Airport in White Plains.
These suburban airports are further from the city but may offer a less congested and more reliable alternative to Newark. However, Harteveldt cautioned that these airports may not have the same number of flight connections, which could limit flexibility for passengers. LaGuardia, for example, has a perimeter rule that restricts flights to those longer than 1,500 miles, further limiting options.
For those who prefer to stick with United Airlines, Harteveldt suggested using the airline’s other hubs, such as those in Houston, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Chicago. These hubs could be used as connections to LaGuardia or as alternatives for passengers looking to avoid Newark altogether.
United’s Response: Fee Waivers and Flexible Options
United Airlines has acknowledged the ongoing issues at Newark and has implemented measures to help affected passengers. For those with flights booked before May 4, United is waiving fees and fare differences for changes made between May 6 and May 17, as long as the origin and destination cities remain the same or involve one of United’s other hubs, such as LaGuardia or Philadelphia.
Despite the flexibility offered, passengers may still be faced with limited options if their long-haul international connections involve Newark, as United does not operate flights from New York-JFK. In such cases, Newark may be the only viable choice.
How the Situation at Newark Got So Bad
The travel issues at Newark are not solely the result of bad weather or equipment malfunctions. The airport has long struggled with air traffic control staffing issues, which have only worsened in recent years. In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) moved the ATC arrivals operation that handles Newark from New York to Philadelphia in an attempt to address staffing shortages. However, the problem persists, with equipment failures and inadequate staffing continuing to cause significant delays.
United CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged that 20% of air traffic controllers had walked off the job, further exacerbating the already strained system. Kirby emphasized that the airport has been “chronically understaffed for years,” making it unlikely that the situation will improve without significant changes to capacity and staffing.
Calls for Slot Control at Newark
To address the ongoing disruptions, United has urged the government to reclassify Newark as a “Level 3” airport. This would implement a slot system, which limits the number of planes that can take off and land at specific times, similar to the system already in place at New York-JFK and LaGuardia. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has also blamed the FAA for the chaos, arguing that the airport’s investments in modernization cannot fully address the issues without a properly staffed and modernized federal air traffic system.
The FAA has long struggled to meet the demand for air traffic controllers, with the agency reporting a shortage of about 3,000 controllers as of May 2024. Efforts to address the shortage, such as offering higher pay for trainees and reducing the hiring process, have been announced by the federal government. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will have a meaningful impact in the short term.
Conclusion: Navigating the Newark Chaos
For travelers heading to or through Newark, the situation remains unpredictable. While alternative airports and United’s flexible options may offer some relief, the ongoing staffing shortages, runway construction, and weather challenges are likely to continue causing disruptions for the foreseeable future. Passengers are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their connections and to consider avoiding Newark if possible to reduce the risk of further delays. If Newark is unavoidable, it’s important to stay patient and prepared for the inevitable challenges that may arise.
