Newark Airport will see a significant reduction in flights over the coming weeks, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Duffy said the move is in response to persistent radar outages, staffing shortages, and telecommunications failures that have repeatedly hampered operations at one of the nation’s busiest hubs. The reduction, expected to target peak afternoon hours, aims to alleviate the growing number of flight delays and cancellations plaguing the airport.
Duffy emphasized that the goal is to ensure reliability for travelers. “We want to have a number of flights that if you book your flight, you know it’s going to fly,” he stated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed another “telecommunications issue” occurred on Sunday, affecting the Philadelphia facility that manages air traffic for Newark. This disruption followed a 90-second radar blackout on Friday, echoing a similar incident on April 28.
Broader Systemic Challenges and Federal Response
The issues at Newark Airport reflect broader concerns within the nation’s air traffic infrastructure. The FAA reported it has been forced to slow arrivals during equipment or staffing shortages to maintain safety. Compounding the issue, a chronic lack of air traffic controllers—estimated at 3,000 fewer than needed—is leading to staff burnout and stress-related leave. The FAA acknowledged that frequent outages add to workplace pressure and slow the onboarding of new controllers due to the specialized nature of the profession.
In response, Secretary Duffy proposed raising the mandatory retirement age for controllers from 56 to 61 and offering a 20% upfront retention bonus. While many controllers retire after 25 years of service, often around age 50, Duffy believes extending careers while continuing to train new hires will help close the staffing gap over the next few years. “These are not overnight fixes,” he said, but expressed optimism about bridging the shortage with a combination of older and newer personnel entering the field.
Industry Reaction and Long-Term Outlook
Airlines are already adapting to the FAA’s safety-first approach. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby praised Duffy for prioritizing FAA functions amidst federal cost-cutting pressures. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Kirby revealed that United has already reduced its flight schedule at Newark Airport and anticipates further cuts lasting through mid-June, when ongoing runway construction is expected to be completed. However, he warned that some flight reductions may extend into the summer.
While Kirby underscored that safety remains uncompromised, he voiced concerns over customer experience. “We have fewer flights, but we keep everything safe,” he said. “I am worried about customer delays and impacts.” Meanwhile, unrelated infrastructure problems at other major airports, like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, further highlight the pressing need for a systemic overhaul. A multibillion-dollar modernization plan has been proposed by the Trump administration, envisioning upgraded technology and six new air traffic control centers nationwide over the next few years.
As flight reductions take effect, passengers flying through Newark Airport should expect continued disruptions but potentially fewer cancellations and shorter wait times, thanks to a more controlled flight schedule.
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