Controller Shortage Grounds Flights at Newark

6 months ago Editor

Newark Airport is facing severe delays due to an air traffic controller shortage, with the FAA advising travelers to expect long waits.

A critical shortage of air traffic controllers has caused severe delays and an FAA ground stop at Newark International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cautioned airlines and pilots about potential departure delays and airborne holding times of up to two hours.

Flights originating from DC area airports and Charlotte are currently held at their departure points. In a statement, the FAA attributed the delays to staffing issues at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90), which oversees Newark Airport flights. This center, located on Long Island, manages airspace across the region.

The FAA is proposing to relocate these controllers to a similar facility in Philadelphia, but the controllers are resisting the move.

Travel expert John Del Giorno recommends traveling early in the day to avoid delays. “The first tip is to travel early in the day. Take the first flight of the day if possible,” he advises. “More than 60 percent of airline delays are caused by weather, primarily thunderstorms that form later in the afternoon. Morning flights are less likely to be affected by weather-related delays.”

Newark International Airport is facing severe delays due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, resulting in an FAA ground stop. The FAA has alerted airlines and pilots to expect departure delays and airborne holding for up to two hours.

Flights from DC area airports and Charlotte are being held at their departure points. The delays are due to staffing issues at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90), which oversees Newark’s air traffic from its location on Long Island.

The FAA is considering relocating these controllers to Philadelphia, but the controllers are resisting the move.

Travel expert John Del Giorno advises flying early to minimize delays. “Take the first flight of the day if you can. Morning flights are less likely to be delayed by weather, which often disrupts flights in the afternoon,” he suggests.