‘Chaos’ At NJ Airport After More Flight Delays (Here’s The Cause)

NEWARK, NJ — Another round of flight delays at Newark Airport in New Jersey has some travelers steaming.

Severe delays were reported at the airport on Friday, with departures running an average of 99 minutes late, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Newark Airport officials blamed the delays on “FAA staffing challenges and equipment failures,” construction, and wind conditions.

“You may experience delays and cancellations,” officials said, advising passengers to contact their airlines to check the status of their flights.

The news didn’t sit well with some internet pundits.

A traveler at the airport shared a photo of arrival and departure boards on Friday morning, saying that there were more than 100 delays.

“It’s been three days of total chaos at EWR,” another commenter wrote online. “We’re talking significant delays, confusions and inconveniences. You must be working hard to resolve this I am sure, but travelers are not seeing even any minor relief yet. Please find temporary solutions!”

PREVIOUS DELAYS AT EWR

Newark Airport also saw heavy delays and a ground stop on Monday. The FAA said that it slowed arrivals and departures at Newark Airport after Philadelphia TRACON – which guides aircrafts in and out of Newark – saw telecommunications and equipment issues.

• Read More: Ground Stop At Newark Airport Causes Severe Flight Delays In NJ
• Read More: Newark Airport Rebounding From Delays After Equipment, Staffing Issues

“Staffing issues” at the Philadelphia operations center also contributed to the frustrations on Monday, the FAA reported.

Newark Airport has seen frustrating delays in recent years due to a lack of air traffic controllers.

In December 2023, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) paid a visit to the busy airport’s control tower to sound an alarm about the problem. The situation is so dire that at control towers for Newark, JFK and La Guardia airports, staffing is at just 54 percent — more than 30 percent below the minimum, the congressman said.

• See Related: Shortage Of Air Traffic Controllers In Newark Earns Lawmaker's Wrath

Last year, federal authorities announced plans to transfer control of the airspace in the Newark area to Philadelphia.

• See Related: Feds Will Move Newark Air Traffic Control To Philadelphia

RUNWAY REHAB

Port Authority officials recently noted that runway rehabilitation work may impact flight schedules through mid-June.

According to an advisory from the bi-state agency:

“From April 15, 2025 to mid-June 2025, Runway 4L-22R will be fully closed for rehabilitation work as part of a $121 million rehabilitation project. This work is designed to maintain the runway in a state of good repair, improve its infrastructure, meet the latest FAA standards, and ensure its continued safe operation. To minimize operational impacts during this period, the FAA will redirect flight activity to the airport’s other runways. While Runway 4L-22R is closed, Runways 4R-22L and 11-29 will remain operational. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for any updates, as flight schedules may be affected.”

According to the Port Authority, the 11,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway, the busiest at EWR for departing flights, was last rehabilitated in 2014. The current project will include a new paved surface and upgraded lighting and signage.

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