Overview

• United Airlines has reduced its Newark schedule by 35 daily round-trip flights, citing unsustainable air traffic control staffing levels and operational constraints.
• Newark Liberty International Airport continues to experience significant delays, with hundreds of flights delayed and dozens canceled daily, according to FlightAware data.
• The FAA has implemented ground delay programs to manage air traffic as one runway remains closed for construction until mid-June, further limiting airport capacity.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new initiative to recruit and retain air traffic controllers, including financial incentives to address the nationwide staffing crisis.
• FAA technology failures and a recent walk-off by over 20% of Newark air traffic controllers have compounded the disruptions, with safety concerns raised by an air traffic controller.