Newark delays soar amid FAA staff crisis and system failures
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- May 3
- 3 min read
A series of flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport have been attributed to a combination of FAA air traffic controller shortages, outdated technology, and runway construction, leading to significant disruptions for travelers.
Newark Liberty International Airport is grappling with significant flight delays and cancellations, stemming from a confluence of factors that have disrupted operations and impacted thousands of travelers. This is according to ABC7ny.com and other media outlets.
A perfect storm of challenges
The crisis began on April 28, 2025, when a critical failure in the FAA's air-traffic control system caused radar and radio communications to go dark around Newark Liberty International Airport. This incident, traced to a burned-out copper wire, left air traffic controllers temporarily unable to see or communicate with aircraft, leading to widespread delays and diversions.
Compounding the issue, one of Newark's main runways is closed for construction until mid-June, further constraining the airport's capacity.
FAA Staffing Shortages
The FAA has been operating with approximately 2,000 fewer air traffic controllers than needed since September 2023. This shortage has been exacerbated by the relocation of 24 air traffic controllers from a facility on Long Island to Philadelphia in July 2024, which caused hundreds of flight delays at Newark.
In response to the staffing crisis, the FAA is working to bring in air traffic control supervisors from across the country to provide emergency relief. Additionally, the agency is offering incentives, including a 20% upfront bonus, to retain controllers nearing retirement.
Airline responses and passenger impact
United Airlines, Newark’s largest carrier, has canceled 35 daily roundtrip flights from the airport due to the ongoing issues. The airline's CEO, Scott Kirby, cited safety concerns and technological failures at the FAA as reasons for the move.
Travelers have reported widespread delays and frustrations, with disruptions impacting cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago. Passengers have faced delays averaging more than two hours, with some experiencing wait times of up to 12 hours on the tarmac. Both Donald Trump and Elon Musk have publicly criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), albeit for different reasons and with distinct implications.
No recent accidents
As of May 7, 2025, there have been no recent accidents at Newark Liberty International Airport. However, the airport has experienced significant operational disruptions due to a combination of factors:
Air traffic control outage: On April 28, a critical failure in the FAA's air traffic control system led to a temporary loss of radar and radio communications with incoming aircraft. This incident caused widespread delays and cancellations.
Staffing shortages: Chronic understaffing of air traffic controllers, exacerbated by some controllers taking trauma leave after the outage, has strained operations.
Runway construction: Ongoing repairs on one of Newark's main runways have reduced the airport's capacity, contributing to delays.
Donald Trump's critique of the FAA
President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the FAA's hiring practices, particularly those emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In January 2025, following a tragic midair collision over Washington, D.C., Trump attributed the incident to the FAA's DEI-focused hiring policies, suggesting they compromised air safety. He subsequently signed a Presidential Memorandum terminating these DEI initiatives, directing the FAA to return to merit-based hiring and to review the performance of all employees in critical safety positions, replacing any who failed to meet proficiency standards.
Dismissal of hundreds of FAA employees
Elon Musk's involvement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been marked by significant actions and ensuing controversies. In February 2025, DOGE, under Musk's leadership, initiated the dismissal of hundreds of FAA employees, including those in critical safety roles. This move was part of a broader effort to streamline government operations but raised concerns about aviation safety and operational efficiency. The rapid implementation of changes within the FAA, including staff reductions and technological integrations, has sparked debates about the potential risks to aviation safety and the adequacy of oversight mechanisms in place.
Additionally, the Trump administration implemented a hiring freeze at the FAA, which some critics argue exacerbated staffing shortages and impacted air traffic control operations.
