Jerry Jackson Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is facing significant disruptions, with hundreds of flights delayed or canceled. By Sunday morning, FlightAware reported 210 delays and 88 cancellations at the major hub, impacting passengers traveling through the New York City region. The flight chaos highlights ongoing concerns about aviation safety and the critical staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
United Airlines Cuts Flights Due to Staffing Shortage and System Failures
United Airlines, one of Newark’s primary carriers, has been forced to reduce its operations. The airline announced it would cut 35 daily round-trip flights, citing long-standing technology issues and a shortage of air traffic controllers as the root causes. The flight reductions are part of a broader struggle within the U.S. aviation industry to keep up with rising demand and inadequate staffing.
United CEO Blames FAA for Ongoing System Failures
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has been vocal in his criticism of the FAA, blaming the agency for the recent string of air traffic control failures. According to Kirby, the FAA’s problems “boiled over” in recent weeks, leading to multiple system breakdowns. These failures, he claims, resulted in numerous flight diversions, delays, and cancellations that have left thousands of passengers stranded across the country.
Kirby also highlighted that over 20% of FAA controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport have stopped working in recent months, further exacerbating the situation. The airport’s staffing issues have been compounded by years of understaffing, with the current number of air traffic controllers unable to manage the volume of air traffic effectively. The United Airlines CEO called on the government to align flight schedules with Newark’s existing infrastructure to prevent further chaos. “There’s no short-term fix for this,” he stated.
Air Traffic Controller Warns of Unsafe Conditions at Newark
An anonymous air traffic controller at Newark spoke out about the unsafe working conditions at the airport. In an interview with MSNBC, the controller said, “It is not safe,” warning travelers to avoid Newark if possible. The controller’s comments have added to the growing pressure on federal officials to address the deteriorating conditions in U.S. airspace.
The FAA has acknowledged that staffing shortages are behind the delays at Newark and other airports. The issue has been worsened by significant staff reductions in federal agencies during the Trump administration, including in FAA safety divisions. This has occurred despite a series of high-profile crashes and accidents that have raised serious concerns about aviation safety.
FAA Pushes for 2,000 New Controllers Amid Declining Public Confidence
In response to the staffing crisis, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a major initiative to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers in 2024. Duffy stated that it would take at least three to four years to fully rebuild staffing levels to address the current issues. As part of the effort, the FAA is offering incentives, including a 30% pay increase, a $5,000 bonus for completing flight academy, and a $10,000 award for those who accept positions at critical understaffed airports.
This initiative comes as public trust in air travel continues to decline. A survey conducted in February found that only 64% of Americans consider flying safe, a drop from 71% the previous year. The decline in confidence follows multiple fatal aviation accidents and increased scrutiny of U.S. air traffic safety. The situation has been further complicated by former President Trump’s public comments, in which he falsely blamed Democratic policies and diversity programs for the FAA’s failures.
As the FAA faces growing pressure to address its staffing shortages, the future of U.S. air travel remains uncertain. While the government is pushing to hire new controllers, it is clear that it will take years to rebuild the air traffic control system to a safe and efficient level. In the meantime, passengers can expect continued delays and cancellations at major U.S. airports, with Newark Liberty International being the epicenter of this crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the Federal Aviation Administration and lawmakers will need to find immediate solutions to ensure air travel safety and restore public trust. For the time being, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and prepare for possible disruptions.