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12h ago

FAA Imposes Flight Caps at Newark Airport to Address Delays and Safety Concerns

Runway construction, controller shortages, and recurring technology failures prompt temporary limits on arrivals and departures through October 25.

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An American Airlines commercial aircraft flies over Washington as it approaches to land at Dulles International Airport, as seen from Washington, U.S., August 5, 2024. REUTERS/ Umit Bektas/File Photo
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Overview

  • The FAA has capped Newark Liberty International Airport at 56 flights per hour until June 15, increasing to 68 flights per hour thereafter, with ongoing Saturday restrictions due to construction.
  • Runway renovations, severe air traffic controller understaffing, and four radar and communication outages in recent weeks have significantly disrupted operations.
  • Newark’s air traffic control team is operating with only 24 certified controllers out of the required 38, with multiple staff on trauma leave following blackout incidents.
  • United Airlines, which handles 70% of Newark’s flights, has voluntarily reduced its schedule and supported the FAA's restrictions to improve reliability and safety.
  • The FAA is advancing modernization plans, including upgrading outdated radar and communication systems, but full implementation is expected to take three to four years.