Newark Airport Delays Spark Traveler Frustration, Surge in Bus Travel

Passengers traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are voicing growing concerns over increasing delays, radar issues, and staffing shortages — prompting some travelers to seek alternate airports or switch to bus travel altogether, as per Fox News.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a ground delay for EWR, citing a combination of air traffic controller shortages, weather disruptions, and ongoing runway construction. The situation intensified after a brief radar and radio signal loss at the airport last week, causing further unease among fliers.

The chaos has spilled onto social media, with users on Reddit sharing stories of missed connections, delayed baggage, and repeated schedule changes. One user on the “r/newjersey” forum wrote, “Just flew into EWR … Flight delayed 1 hr, checked in bags on a different flight (2.5 hrs later) because of plane weight issues, and had to be pulled by a tug because the plane overshot the jet bridge by 1.5 ft.”

Another user added, “All the delays we had both times were infuriating. Never had that experience before.”

With frustrations rising, many travelers are turning to bus travel as an alternative. Flix North America — the parent company of FlixBus and Greyhound — reported a 35% increase in originating passengers at its Newark station within just three days. Year-over-year ticket sales at the location are up more than 80%.

“In times like these, bus travel serves as a vital alternative,” a Flix North America spokesperson said. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are well-prepared to welcome passengers impacted by flight cancellations and delays.”