United Airlines has announced the cancellation of 35 daily Newark Liberty International Airport flights due to air traffic control constraints. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported staffing challenges at Newark's air traffic control facility, with approximately 20% of controller positions currently unfilled. These operational limitations have resulted in travel disruptions affecting thousands of passengers. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels and updating technological infrastructure within the national air traffic control system.
The cancellations at Newark come after numerous technology failures at FAA air traffic control facilities, which have caused flight diversions, delays, and cancellations throughout the system. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has taken the extraordinary step of reducing its operations at what serves as one of its primary hubs.
Ugh. United will cancel 35 roundtrip flights per day at Newark airport due to FAA staffing and equipment issues. https://t.co/UyENH5KPmV
— Paul Farhi (@farhip) May 2, 2025
United operates approximately 300 daily round-trip flights on average at Newark, making these cuts significant for the airline and travelers. The crisis has become so severe that United has advocated for Newark to be reclassified as a "Level 3" airport, which would limit scheduled flights based on the facility's actual capacity.
Recent air traffic control issues at Newark have led to significant delays, worker walkouts, and a complete breakdown in service reliability. According to Kirby, Newark's air traffic control facility is "chronically understaffed," creating an untenable situation for airlines attempting to maintain schedules.
EWR is a crucial hub that needs updated technology and a strong workforce. FAA must act to ensure passenger safety, and give air traffic controllers and all airport workers the right tools to do their jobs.
I will be taking action at the federal level to demand the FAA address… https://t.co/n4rdv5W8Rh
— Rep. LaMonica McIver (@RepLaMonica) May 3, 2025
A 2023 Department of Transportation report highlighted ongoing staffing challenges at the FAA, exacerbated by government mismanagement following COVID-19 policies. Air traffic controllers face specific age-related hiring and retirement requirements, making rapid staffing increases difficult even when the government decides to address the problem.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers and offer financial incentives to address the staffing crisis. Duffy's proposal aims to improve FAA technology, infrastructure, and staffing, but these promises come far too late for travelers facing cancellations and delays.
"Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead. There is no other choice to protect our customers.
United's CEO proposed a three-point plan in March to reduce delays, showing more leadership than federal officials by focusing on staffing, technology, and facilities improvements. Despite years of warnings, the federal government's failure to modernize critical infrastructure and address staffing needs demonstrates the inefficiency of bureaucratic oversight in managing essential travel systems.
https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-flight-cancellations-delays-newark-2025-5