Yesterday, I released an article entitled:
Steer Clear of Newark Airport’: Air Traffic Controller Raises Alarm About Security Issues
Shortly afterward, we discovered that air traffic controllers managing Newark flights were without radio and radar communication for an undisclosed duration last Monday. This led to at least five controllers taking trauma leave, according to someone close to the matter. This provides the most straightforward account of the FAA-related delays affecting EWR during the previous eight days.
The initial report on this came from Pete Muntean.
NEW REPORTING: The air traffic control team managing flights out of Newark experienced a LOSS OF RADIO AND RADAR FOR AN UNDISCLOSED PERIOD ON LAST MONDAY. This incident led TO LEAST FIVE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TAKING TRAUMA LEAVE, according to information provided by a knowledgeable source.
This provides the clearest insight so far into the 8-day Federal Aviation Administration disruptions at EWR.
pic.twitter.com/9BA1osp8IM
As a result, United Airlines has provided a travel waiver for flights heading to, from, or passing through Newark (EWR) from May 6th to May 17th, 2025. This measure comes as a response to continuous runway work and insufficient FAA personnel, giving travelers the option to modify their plans voluntarily without any charges.
I recommend seizing this opportunity since a friend shared her disappointing encounter on Facebook: “Curious if the DOGE reductions actually make a difference? It seems the under-staffed FAA faced further cutbacks, leaving them struggling for three weeks. As a result, United has had issues removing passengers from airplanes due to insufficient personnel to authorize landings on the Newark runway. We got boarded at 5:30 AM today, set to depart at 6:00, but were removed from the aircraft as it appeared unlikely to take off before noon. Changing flights won’t help much unless I switch both airlines and airports because every other United flight heading to Newark is queued after ours. Fantastic!!”
According to
USA Today
Air traffic controllers were not part of the layoffs at the FAA, nor were other essential personnel such as inspectors. Nevertheless, union representatives had earlier stated that these safety-focused workers would have to perform their duties with reduced assistance from various sections within the organization.
But it
looks like
“The maintenance staff responsible for keeping all that obsolete machinery running were the individuals let go by DOGE. Consequently, whenever this old equipment malfunctions—more often than modern devices—they experience extended delays in receiving repairs.”
Secretary Sean Duffy points fingers at the Biden administration, stating via tweet: “Everyone knows our air traffic control system is outdated. The previous administration did nothing to address this issue. We’re putting in long hours to revamp it.”
There’s no denying that our air traffic control system is outdated.
The previous administration did nothing to address this issue. We are tirelessly striving to reform it.
pic.twitter.com/vigPp75fNA
However, the Biden administration did not implement reductions.
As per information from the U.S. Department of Transportation
In November 2024, during the Biden administration, the FAA has been aggressively working to address the chronic shortage of air traffic controllers by ramping up recruitment and training efforts. This year, they surpassed their initial target of recruiting 1,800 individuals, setting a new objective to bring aboard an additional 2,000 personnel in the coming year. The agency facilitated these initiatives through two distinct hiring windows scheduled for April and October 2024.
Our current setup is quite outdated. Here’s hoping Secretary Duffy is correct when he states, “The President and I will completely revamp air traffic control. This involves developing an entirely new system that sets global standards.”
The President and I plan to dramatically overhaul air traffic control. This involves developing an entirely new system that will be the pride of the globe.
Stay tuned!
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KEEP READING
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Ways to Save Money Using an Unnoticed Third Carry-On
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Ways to utilize your wireless headphones for watching in-flight movies
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10 Airport Security Tips Every Traveler Should Know
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Ways to secure the top-notch coach seat when flying
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The essential sleep tip every traveler should know
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