Flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport continue to affect travelers, with United Airlines announcing it is cutting 35 daily flights from its schedule.
Here’s what you need to know about the situation:
Cause of the delays
The FAA has attributed flight delays of up to four hours to a combination of staffing shortages and cloud cover.
In addition, a series of technology failures in recent days, as reported by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, further exacerbated the issue.
These issues were compounded by a significant number of Newark’s air traffic controllers taking time off due to stress following a series of equipment outages.
Controller shortages and stress
More than one-fifth of the air traffic controllers at Newark reportedly "walked off the job," according to United Airlines, due to the ongoing issues.
The FAA acknowledged that controllers working at Newark have been affected by stress and fatigue due to the repeated system failures, with some taking time off to recover.
The agency emphasized that the outdated air traffic control system has negatively impacted the workforce.
United airlines cuts flights
United Airlines, one of the major carriers at Newark, decided to cut 35 daily flights starting on Saturday to manage the disruptions.
This decision comes as a direct result of the ongoing equipment failures, which have forced the airline to scale back operations.
The airline’s move highlights the significant operational impact of these delays.
Broader air traffic control issues
The situation at Newark reflects broader problems within the nation’s air traffic control system.
The Trump administration has identified the air traffic control system as “obsolete” and acknowledged the need for urgent upgrades.
Efforts to address the issue
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced initiatives to recruit new controllers and provide incentives to retain existing staff.
Despite these efforts, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has warned that the system is long overdue for technological and infrastructure improvements.
The FAA is under growing pressure to resolve these long-standing issues, with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association calling for urgent reforms.
Whats next for airline passengers
United’s decision to reduce its Newark flight schedule comes at a time of heightened uncertainty for US airlines.
With concerns over the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies and the possibility of a recession, many potential customers are reassessing their travel plans.
United Airlines has even issued two financial forecasts for the year—one assuming a recession and the other if the economy remains stable.
Travelers should expect continued disruptions at Newark, as efforts to address the root causes of these delays and cancellations remain underway.
Source: Times of India, The Express Tribue
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
