For the seventh consecutive day, Newark Airport has been plagued by severe flight delays due to a long-standing shortage of certified air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a Ground Delay Program through Sunday night, with average delays reaching nearly four hours. This latest crisis has placed a spotlight on the FAA’s inability to adequately staff critical control facilities—an issue that has persisted for years.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby pointed to multiple contributing factors, including a significant walk-off by Newark’s air traffic controllers, the nationwide staffing shortfall, and a key runway closure for rehabilitation. The Newark Airport control center, he said, has been “chronically understaffed,” leaving the airport unable to manage normal flight volumes. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the U.S. needs more than 3,000 additional certified controllers to reach safe operating levels.
The union representing 55,000 flight attendants has urged airlines to scale back Newark operations until staffing improves. Meanwhile, passengers, including Canadian traveler Geraldine Wallace, expressed growing anxiety over flight safety, citing the pressure placed on fatigued and overworked controllers.
Outdated Technology Deepens Travel Chaos
In addition to staffing woes, failing technology has worsened the crisis. United’s Kirby confirmed that repeated equipment malfunctions used by FAA controllers have caused hundreds of canceled and delayed flights, and even dozens of flight diversions over the past week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed the problems to decades-old systems still in use at Newark Airport’s air traffic control facilities.
“The system we’re using is incredibly outdated—we’re talking floppy disks and copper wires,” Duffy said in a press briefing. Although he emphasized that the system is technically safe, its inefficiencies are causing widespread disruptions. He announced a nationwide initiative to replace legacy equipment with a “state-of-the-art” system, which he hopes will make the U.S. “the envy of the world.” However, implementation could take three to four years.
President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed full support for the upgrade plan, and Duffy has called on Congress to release the funding needed to modernize the air traffic control infrastructure while maintaining ongoing operations.
Delays Spark Public Outcry as Travel Season Approaches
As summer travel ramps up, the cascading delays at Newark have triggered frustration among passengers and renewed scrutiny of aviation safety. Over a third of flights at Newark Airport were delayed Sunday, with 12% canceled outright. Travelers like Michael Tassone, whose flight was repeatedly rescheduled, are grappling with uncertainty. “You trust that these airlines have everything under control, but I guess that’s now something you need to plan for,” he said.
FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed that investigations are underway into both the staffing and technological failures. He emphasized that flight slowdowns are a necessary safety measure until adequate solutions are in place. The crisis follows recent deadly incidents in U.S. airspace, reigniting calls for reform. “We’re committed to turning this tragedy into progress,” said union president Nick Daniels. “But that requires urgent, unified action from all stakeholders in the aviation sector.”
Visit Enterprise Wired for the Most Recent Information.
