FAA Staffing Shortages Cause Major Delays at Newark Airport During Holiday Travel

United Airlines reports significant disruptions as the FAA reduces air traffic flow to Newark due to a decades-long staffing issue.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a ground delay at Newark Liberty International Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year, citing air traffic controller shortages.
As of 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, 145 flights were delayed and two were canceled at Newark, while United Airlines experienced the highest number of delays among carriers at the airport.
United Airlines revealed that over 343,000 of its travelers have faced disruptions this month due to FAA staffing issues, with delays, cancellations, and extended flight and taxi times being common occurrences.
The FAA acknowledged the staffing shortages, noting that it is addressing a decades-long issue and prioritizing the hiring and training of new air traffic controllers.
The Thanksgiving travel period has highlighted the strain on U.S. air traffic control systems, with the FAA already 3,000 controllers below its staffing targets and routinely requiring six-day work weeks for existing personnel.