Overview

• The FAA has implemented immediate measures at Newark Airport, including capping arrivals at 28 per hour, increasing air traffic controller staffing, and deploying a temporary backup system.
• Runway construction, outdated technology, and controller shortages have caused significant delays and cancellations, with United Airlines reducing its Newark schedule by 10%.
• A radar and communications outage on April 28 at the Philadelphia TRACON facility, which oversees Newark traffic, highlighted vulnerabilities in the aging system.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to announce a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the U.S. air traffic control system, replacing outdated copper wiring with fiber optics and upgrading radar technology.
• Senator Chuck Schumer and other lawmakers are demanding a full inspector general investigation into the Newark disruptions and broader accountability from the FAA.