Safety Concerns, Understaffing Cause FAA To Propose Further Limitations On Major NJ Airport

NEWARK, NJ - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking to extend the period of limited operations at Newark International Airport after dozens of flights being canceled or delayed daily earlier this summer.

Air traffic controller staffing shortages, equipment issues and construction along the runway led the FAA to issue an order in June that limited the number of flights at the airport through Dec. 31. A total of 68 per hour daily through Oct. 25, and 56 per hour while construction was ongoing during weekends from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 was the initial plan.

Now, the FAA wants to amend that end date to reach through Oct. 24, 2026, saying the additional time "constitutes a reasonable approach to preventing unacceptable congestion and delays at Newark (EWR) until long term measures are implemented."

On July 28, the federal government launched a probe into the relocation of air control operations from EWR to Philadelphia International Airport in July 2024. The FAA says this was to address the understaffing at Newark. The events in late spring and early summer, such as a blackout of radar and radio for around 90 seconds on two separate occasions, and one day in May with more than 250 days and 150 cancellations, caused an audit into the facility's allocation of resources.

Newark Airport Loses Radar Contact For 2nd Time In 2 Weeks: FAA

According to FAA records, Newark should be able to handle more than 70 flights per hour in ideal weather conditions. Staffing shortages, and added time to construct more efficient long-term solutions is causing the organization to call for this new extension. The modification to the dates would allow for 72 flights each hour, outside of when construction is being handled, from Oct. 26 through Oct. 24, 2026.

“The aviation ecosystem is rapidly evolving and the FAA must adapt to unprecedented changes,” adds Bryan Bedford, administrator of the FAA. “Our success depends on highly skilled and dedicated air traffic control and aviation safety inspector workforces and growing both is a top priority for the FAA.”

The agency continues to move forward with its nationwide initiative to hire, train, and develop more air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals at an efficient, but faster pace. The current Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan utilizes advancements in electric and hybrid system innovations, more drones, a growth in commercial space travel, and artificial intelligence. According to FAA estimates, 8,900 new air traffic controllers are expected to be hired between now and 2028, with 2,000 of them coming this year. An additional 4,600 safety inspectors and engineers are estimated to join the force through 2034.

What's Been Done So Far (FAA)

• "Successfully transitioned to a brand-new fiber optic communications network between New York and the Philadelphia TRACON. This upgrade significantly enhances resiliency with new fiber optic connections on two separate communications paths, ensuring equipment will continue to operate if one path is disrupted.
• Deployed a temporary satellite backup system to the Philadelphia TRACON that will provide redundancy during the switch to a more reliable fiberoptic network.  
• Establishing a STARS hub at the Philadelphia TRACON so that the facility does not depend on a telecommunications feed from the New York STARS hub."  
• Increasing controller staffing: Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which directs aircraft in and out of Newark, has 20 fully certified controllers and five fully certified supervisors. 20 controllers and six supervisors currently in training.

There is a period for public comment and opportunity for the airlines and other groups to weigh in before a final determination is made. Any concerns must be voiced by Friday, Aug. 15 to one of a number of methods outlined by the United States Government.

RELATED COVERAGE:

1. Newark Airport ‘Chaos’ Continues: 5 Reasons Behind The Delays