Newark Airport Delays Escalate as United Cuts 35 Flights
Newark Liberty International Airport witnessed severe travel disruptions as United Airlines began slashing 35 daily flights from its schedule. The move, announced in response to persistent air traffic controller shortages, highlights systemic strain on the U.S. aviation infrastructure just as summer travel demand accelerates.
Passengers faced delays stretching up to two hours for arrivals and nearly 45 minutes for departures. These disruptions, intensifying throughout the week, stem from ongoing issues at the air traffic control facility serving the busy New Jersey hub. Officials say more than 20% of the controller workforce at Newark has exited, amplifying staffing gaps that have plagued the facility for years. United Airlines described multiple failures in aircraft management systems at the airport in recent weeks. In a statement, the airline emphasised the need to align flight schedules with available operational capacity, prioritising passenger safety over volume.
In an effort to stem further decline, the federal government has announced plans to boost hiring in the aviation sector. A recruitment drive, enhanced training programmes, and financial incentives are being put in place to retain air traffic controllers and modernise outdated infrastructure. Transportation authorities have acknowledged that the current traffic volume at Newark is unsustainable. While construction work at the airport has added to the congestion, staffing remains the dominant concern. Industry stakeholders warn that unless addressed swiftly, the disruptions may ripple across other major hubs. United Airlines, which services over 150 destinations from Newark—including 76 domestic and 81 international routes—has had to adjust its annual financial forecasts. The airline’s leadership cited macroeconomic uncertainty and travel hesitations tied to ongoing policy shifts and inflationary pressure.
As Newark struggles to maintain efficiency amid high demand and low staffing, the spotlight is now firmly on aviation regulators and government agencies to accelerate long-pending reforms. Travellers and industry players alike are calling for a reliable, resilient, and forward-thinking aviation system that meets global benchmarks for safety and service.
