Newark Airport's Ongoing Challenges: A Timeline of Disruptions

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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has been grappling with a series of operational challenges in recent weeks, leading to significant disruptions for travelers. From system outages to staffing shortages and runway construction, here's a detailed look at the events unfolding at one of the nation's busiest airports.

April 28, 2025: Initial Outage

The first major incident occurred on April 28, when a telecommunications and equipment issue at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility caused radar screens to go dark for approximately 60 to 90 seconds. This disruption led to a temporary halt in departures to Newark Airport.

May 9, 2025: Second Outage

On May 9, at around 3:55 a.m., a similar outage impacted the Philadelphia TRACON, resulting in a 90-second loss of radar and communication capabilities. This incident led to 320 flight delays and 137 cancellations at Newark.

May 11, 2025: Third Incident

A third disruption occurred on May 11, when a telecommunications issue at the Philadelphia TRACON prompted a 45-minute ground stop at Newark Airport. Although a recent software update prevented a complete radar outage, the incident still caused significant delays and cancellations.

Runway Construction: April 15 – Mid-June 2025

Compounding these issues is the ongoing rehabilitation of Runway 4L-22R, which began on April 15 and is expected to continue until mid-June. This $121 million project has reduced the airport's capacity, contributing to increased delays.

Staffing Shortages

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports a nationwide shortage of approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers. At Newark, the situation is particularly acute, with only one fully certified controller and a trainee managing up to 180 flights during peak hours.

Flight Reductions and Modernization Efforts

  • Flight Caps: In response to these challenges, the FAA has proposed temporary flight caps at Newark: 28 arrivals and departures per hour during runway construction, and 34 per hour otherwise, through October 25.

  • Airline Adjustments: United Airlines, Newark’s largest carrier, has already reduced its schedule by 35 round-trip flights per day to alleviate congestion.

  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a multibillion-dollar plan to modernize the national air traffic control system, including installing new high-speed data connections and replacing outdated radar systems.

Traveler Impact

Passengers continue to face significant disruptions. On May 11, there were over 250 flight delays and at least 80 cancellations at Newark. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and consider alternative airports or travel times when possible.

As Newark Airport navigates these complex challenges, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the effectiveness of the implemented measures and the resilience of the nation's air traffic infrastructure.

Location: Newark, NJ, USA

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