People who use Newark Liberty International Airport have been alerted that the bustling travel center is “unsafe.”
Starting from Monday, Newark has been facing significant delays for both arriving and departing flights. As of Saturday, more than 270 flights have been delayed, as reported.
FlightAware
Additionally, it notes that incoming aircraft experienced delays of over two hours before touching down on Sunday.
Furthermore, NBC News reporter Tom Costello quoted an anonymous air traffic controller who described Newark as unsafe at present.
“It isn’t secure. The conditions aren’t safe for air travelers at this moment,” Costello stated.
Truly remarkable commentary, unprovoked,” Costello commented regarding the source’s remarks. “These were his exact words to me, and also: ‘Stay away from Newark. Don’t even consider flying into Newark.’
According to reports, the issues at Newark are largely due to staffing, with more than 20% of the airport’s FAA controllers having recently walked off the job.
United Airlines announced it is canceling 35 roundtrip flights daily as a result of the ongoing crisis.
“Over the past several days, the technology relied upon by FAA air traffic controllers to manage flights at Newark Airport has malfunctioned multiple times—leading to numerous diversions, hundreds of delays and cancellations, and most distressingly, thousands of travelers experiencing disrupted itineraries,” said the CEO of United Airlines.
Scott Kirby said
in a statement on Friday. “Unfortunately, the technology issues were compounded as over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job.
“Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it’s now clear – and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.”
Newark, which is the second busiest airport in the New York City area, has certainly earned its share of complaints from commuters over the years, but this week has been on a different level.
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