Charles Esther
Newark Liberty International Airport may experience a reduction in flight schedules over the next few weeks.
This announcement was made by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
A String of Equipment Failures Sparks Concern
Duffy’s comments came shortly after another air traffic control equipment failure grounded flights at Newark.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that operations have since returned to normal, the recurring problems are raising red flags.
“There was a telecommunications issue at Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which guides aircraft in and out of Newark airspace,” the FAA said in a statement.
The agency confirmed that the system’s redundancies were tested and found to be functioning before resuming normal operations.
Short-Term Delays for Long-Term Safety
Despite the inconvenience to travelers, Duffy emphasized that the temporary slow-down in flights is necessary.
“I hate delays, I hate cancellations,” he said.
“But I want you to get where you’re traveling.
And if that means slowing down flights into Newark, we slow them down to make sure we can do it safely.”
Outdated Technology Poses National Risk
According to Duffy, the issues at Newark reflect a much larger problem across the United States aviation system.
He highlighted that many airports, including Newark, rely on outdated air traffic control technology.
“The equipment that we use, much of it we can’t buy parts for new,” Duffy said.
“We have to go on eBay and buy parts if one part goes down.”
He further explained that many systems still use copper wiring rather than modern high-speed fiber, making them more susceptible to failures.
Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers Adds Pressure
The problem isn’t just hardware.
There’s also a significant shortage of trained air traffic controllers.
A 2023 report from the Department of Transportation pointed out that staffing levels remain below acceptable thresholds since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training.
Worryingly, the FAA still “lacks a plan to address” the issue, the report stated.
Age Restrictions Limit Recruitment Potential
The FAA’s age restrictions for air traffic controllers compound the challenge.
Currently, controllers must retire at age 56.
To join the workforce, applicants must be under 31 years old.
This narrow hiring window makes it difficult to replenish the workforce quickly.
Proposed Solutions to Keep Controllers on the Job
To address the staffing gap, Duffy announced plans to extend the mandatory retirement age from 56 to 61.
He also revealed an incentive package to encourage experienced controllers to stay longer.
“I’m going to give them a 20% upfront bonus to stay on the job,” he said.
“Don’t retire.
Keep serving your country.”
Final Thoughts
As Newark Liberty International Airport grapples with both technological and staffing issues, federal authorities are taking a proactive stance.
While reduced flights may cause temporary inconvenience, the overarching goal is to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel.
Travelers should stay informed about potential delays and trust that safety remains the top priority.
