Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport faced major delays and diversions on Monday due to an unexpected equipment failure. The issue started in the morning and caused widespread travel disruptions throughout the day.
What Happened?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that equipment and communication problems at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility led to a slowdown of both incoming and outgoing flights at Newark Airport. TRACON is responsible for helping planes land and take off safely in nearby airspace, including Newark.
Equipment Issue Fixed, But Staff Shortage Remains
By early Monday evening, the FAA confirmed the equipment issue had been resolved. However, a new problem emerged. There were not enough air traffic controllers available to handle the high volume of flights around Newark. This led to continued delays, even after the technical problem was fixed.
Dozens of Flights Diverted
As a result, many flights were forced to land at other airports along the East Coast. United Airlines alone diverted over 35 flights to alternate destinations. Other flights were delayed before even leaving their departure airports, adding to the growing backlog.
Passengers on the ground and in the air experienced long wait times. Some pilots told passengers they were unsure when they could take off or land.
Passenger Frustration Builds
Sue Han, a traveler from Los Angeles, said her five-hour trip turned into a nine-hour journey. “It was a long… a little longer than expected,” she said after finally arriving in Newark.
David Bibeau, who flew in from Memphis, ended up landing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His plane circled the area for hours due to low fuel and congestion. “Hours and hours of circling Allentown, banking it and then sitting on the tarmac,” he explained.
Despite the frustration, Bibeau said he was just happy to finally make it to Newark. “Never been so happy to be in Newark in my life,” he joked.
United Airlines Issues Travel Waiver
United Airlines has issued a travel waiver. This allows affected customers to change their travel plans without extra fees. The airline also warned travelers to expect more delays and possible cancellations throughout the day.
The full reason for the shortage of air traffic controllers remains unknown.
FAA Under Scrutiny Again
This incident adds to a growing list of air traffic issues in recent months. Experts say the FAA is facing both aging equipment and staffing shortages.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation called for more funding to modernize air traffic control systems. FAA officials have also warned that not enough new controllers are being trained to meet demand.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, nearly 20% of air traffic control positions are currently unfilled or understaffed.
Travelers Advised to Check Flight Status
If you are traveling through Newark or any major East Coast airport, check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Use the official airline websites or flight tracker apps for the most accurate updates.
For those impacted, United’s travel waiver details are available on their official website and customer service channels.
Monday’s delays at Newark Liberty International Airport show how quickly technical problems and staffing shortages can disrupt air travel. While the FAA fixed the equipment problem, the lack of air traffic controllers added hours of delays for passengers.
