Photo: Getty Images
Newark Liberty International Airport may experience ground stops and delays today due to staffing issues with air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has indicated that the problem originates from Philadelphia, where some Newark air traffic controllers are based. Yesterday, these staffing issues led to ground delays at Newark Airport, with delays ranging from an hour and a half to three hours.
According to NorthJersey.com, the airport experienced over 400 flight delays last weekend, providing a preview of potential disruptions during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The FAA has attributed these delays to a shortage of certified air traffic controllers staffing the airport.
The FAA has reported that there are currently 32 air traffic controllers at the Newark tower handling takeoffs and landings, with an additional 24 based in Philadelphia handling high-altitude air traffic over Newark Airport. Another 16 are currently being trained. Despite these numbers, staffing shortages have resulted in significant delays.
In an attempt to address these issues, the FAA relocated control of Newark airspace to Philadelphia earlier this year. However, this move has not had the desired effect, with delays and ground stops continuing due to staffing shortages, equipment failures, and infrastructure overloads.
United Airlines, which has a hub at Newark Airport, has frequently faced significant delays due to these issues. The airline reduced flights last summer following flight disruptions and has criticized the FAA's performance.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns Newark Airport, estimates 3.2 million Thanksgiving holiday air travelers across its four airports between Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, with the busiest day expected to be this coming Sunday.