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6d ago

United Airlines Cuts 10% of Newark Flights as Staffing and Technology Failures Disrupt Operations

Ongoing air traffic controller shortages, outdated FAA systems, and a major runway closure have caused widespread delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport.

United Airlines planes sit on the runway at Newark Liberty International Airport on November 30, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey.
Passengers look at departure and arrival boards at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 4, 2025.
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Overview

  • United Airlines has canceled 35 round-trip flights daily at Newark, representing 10% of its schedule, citing air traffic controller understaffing and FAA technology failures.
  • Over 20% of Newark air traffic controllers walked off the job last week, exacerbating an already chronic national staffing shortage of over 3,000 controllers.
  • FAA technology failures over the weekend caused dozens of flight diversions and hundreds of delays, with a Ground Delay Program issued on Sunday pushing flights back by nearly four hours on average.
  • Runway 4L-22R, Newark's busiest for departures, has been closed since mid-April for a $121 million rehabilitation project, reducing airport capacity further until its expected reopening in mid-June.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to announce a multibillion-dollar modernization proposal for FAA systems and staffing, though full air traffic controller staffing may take 3–4 years.