Newark International Airport experienced significant flight delays and an FAA ground stop due to a severe air traffic controller shortage on Monday (June 30). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines and pilots to anticipate departure delays and airborne holding for up to two hours.
The air traffic controllers, who work at the New York ATC center that manages Newark Airport flights, are facing a potential relocation. The FAA is considering moving the controllers who handle New Jersey airspace to a similar facility in Philadelphia, a proposal that the controllers are opposing.
The staffing issues have caused significant disruptions, with flights from DC area airports and Charlotte being held at their origin airports. The FAA has released a statement regarding the delays and is providing real-time updates on their website.