Newark Airport Delays Enter 7th Day Amid FAA Crisis

Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing a historic wave of flight delays and cancellations, now stretching into a seventh consecutive day. The disruption is being driven by a nationwide shortage of certified air traffic controllers, aging FAA technology, and ongoing runway construction—leaving thousands of travelers stranded.

What’s Causing the Delays?

• Staffing crisis: The FAA facility overseeing Newark has been chronically understaffed for years. Nationwide, only about 70% of air traffic controller roles are filled with fully certified personnel.

• Controller walk-off: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby revealed that over 20% of controllers at Newark walked off the job last week, compounding the shortage.

• Outdated FAA systems: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the tech as “incredibly old,” with some systems still using floppy disks and copper wiring. Multiple failures last week led to widespread diversions and delays.

• Runway rehabilitation: A key runway is currently closed for repairs through mid-June, reducing Newark’s capacity.

Impact on Travelers

• United Airlines delayed 232 flights and canceled 35 on Sunday alone.

• FAA Ground Delay Program caused average wait times of nearly four hours Sunday evening.

• Passengers reported anxiety over overtired controllers and outdated safety systems.

• Some travelers had flights rescheduled multiple times with little notice.