Air Traffic Control Shortage Sparks Severe Delays and Cancellations at Newark Airport

An air traffic control personnel shortage has led to a major disruption at Newark Liberty International Airport, resulting in 93 canceled flights and 294 delays as of Sunday afternoon, May 4, according to information from FlightAware and statements from airline representatives.

The severe staff shortage has become so dire that United Airlines will cut 35 daily roundtrip flights from its Newark schedule beginning this weekend, as stated by United CEO Scott Kirby on Friday, May 2.

Kirby attributed the issues to “long-standing FAA challenges” that “erupted” earlier this week.

The technology issues experienced by the FAA rendered controllers incapable of handling arriving and departing aircraft, resulting in numerous diversions and thousands of flight delays, according to Kirby. However, the critical moment occurred when more than 20 percent of the FAA controllers at EWR left their posts, the CEO stated.

“Due to chronic under staffing at this air traffic control center for several years, as Kirby pointed out, it’s evident – according to what the FAA informs us – that Newark Airport isn’t capable of managing the planned volume of flights without these controllers,” he explained.

Consequently, United is implementing “disappointing yet essential” reductions to their timetable to “safeguard our passengers.”

Governor Phil Murphy described the circumstances as “entirely and totally unacceptable.” In a tweet, he stated, “The last several days have demonstrated precisely why we must address the decades-long reduction in staff at the FAA.” He also commended Transportation Secretary Duffy for pledging to “accelerate recruitment efforts.”

As of Sunday afternoon, FlightAware reported 162 arriving flights were delayed, and 46 canceled at Newark Airport. United had 128 delays and 20 cancellations, while regional carriers like Republic canceled 42 flights — 34% of its schedule.

Kirby pressed for the federal government to categorize Newark as a Level 3 slot-managed airport, restricting scheduled flights based on what the system can manage securely. He voiced his support for substantial investments in FAA facilities and personnel over time, yet emphasized that immediate steps must be taken at Newark.

There are top-notch experts at the FAA… navigating through technological and personnel shortages,” Kirby stated. “Utilizing the power vested in them, the FAA can assist Newark in realizing its remarkable potential as a secure, dependable, and efficient portal to the globe.