Sat May 03 10:50:00 UTC 2025: **United Airlines Cuts Newark Flights Amid Air Traffic Control Crisis**
NEWARK, NJ – United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 daily roundtrip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), citing a severe air traffic control crisis stemming from outdated infrastructure, staff shortages, and recent technological failures. The move, effective this weekend, represents approximately 10% of United’s Newark schedule.
In a letter to customers, United CEO Scott Kirby detailed the ongoing problems, stating that recent technology failures at the EWR air traffic control facility, coupled with the reported departure of over 20% of its controllers, has rendered the airport unable to handle its current flight volume. Kirby emphasized that this situation is not new, and that United has been urging the government for years to address the chronic understaffing and infrastructure issues at EWR.
Kirby’s letter also revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed Newark’s inability to handle its scheduled flight volume in the coming weeks and months. He called for the designation of EWR as a Level 3 airport, implementing full slot control to manage the number of flights. Newark was previously a Level 3 airport but transitioned to Level 2 in 2016 to foster competition.
While acknowledging the FAA’s proposed system-wide investment in technology and staffing, Kirby urged immediate action to address the crisis at EWR. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of remaining air traffic controllers and United staff working to mitigate the impact on passengers.
The drastic flight reductions highlight the severity of the air traffic control challenges facing Newark and the broader aviation industry. The situation underscores the ongoing debate over the need for modernization and increased staffing within the FAA. The impact of the controller departures, as cited by Kirby, remains unverified by independent sources.
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