Overview

• The FAA has capped Newark Liberty International Airport arrivals at 28 per hour to manage safety and operational challenges stemming from staffing shortages and infrastructure issues.
• Three high-bandwidth telecommunications links, a temporary backup system, and fiber-optic upgrades are being implemented to improve radar and communication reliability at Philadelphia TRACON, which oversees Newark flights.
• United Airlines has reduced its Newark flight schedule by 35 daily round-trips, about 10% of its operations, citing controller shortages and runway construction disruptions.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 30% salary increase for new air traffic control trainees and incentives for experienced controllers to retain and expand the workforce, aiming to hire 2,000 new controllers in 2025.
• Major airlines are advocating for extended caps on flight requirements at New York City-area airports through October 2027 to address ongoing capacity and staffing constraints.