Newark Airport Grapples with Delays, Cancellations Amid Staffing Shortages

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) experienced significant disruptions on Thursday with over 400 flights delayed and more than 200 canceled, leaving travelers frustrated, Fox News reports.

The airport attributed the chaos to a confluence of factors, including air traffic control staffing shortages, FAA equipment issues, wind conditions, and ongoing construction on one of its three runways.

In a series of social media posts, EWR informed travelers about the situation.

“@EWRairport due to a combination of @FAA staffing shortages, @FAA equipment issues, and wind conditions, you may experience delays and cancellations,” one post on X read. “Please check your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport.”

The airport also cited the long-term runway construction as a contributing factor, replying to an inquiry on X with the information that “One of our runways is closed for necessary repairs from now until mid-June 2025.”

According to FlightAware.com, the airport saw a total of 422 delays and 202 cancellations on Thursday.

While the FAA did not respond to requests for comment regarding the staffing shortages and related disruptions, the problems at Newark appear to be part of an ongoing trend.

Just days earlier, on Monday, the FAA slowed traffic dramatically at EWR due to a series of issues. This prompted United Airlines, the largest carrier at the airport, to divert at least 35 flights to alternative airports. United attributed the disruption to an FAA equipment malfunction and cited ongoing FAA staffing issues as likely to cause further delays and cancellations throughout the day.

The FAA confirmed the equipment failure, citing telecommunications and radar equipment issues at Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which is responsible for guiding aircraft in and out of Newark. While the equipment issues were resolved, the agency acknowledged that staffing shortages at the Philadelphia facility continued to impact flights.

Adding to the complexity, the FAA last year relocated control of Newark’s airspace to Philadelphia in an effort to address staffing and congested air traffic in the New York City area.

Furthermore, the FAA recently extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2025, citing the persistent air traffic controller staffing shortages. This waiver allows airlines to fly fewer flights and still retain valuable takeoff and landing slots, which are typically forfeited if not used at least 80% of the time.

The FAA is currently facing a significant shortfall of approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers nationwide. This shortage has led to flight delays and, at many facilities, controllers are forced to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks, raising concerns about safety and controller well-being.