Sun May 04 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Newark Airport Faces Summer Travel Crisis Amid Staff Shortages and Runway Construction

**NEWARK, NJ** – United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 daily round-trip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) starting this weekend, citing ongoing air traffic control (ATC) staffing issues and runway construction. The move follows days of significant flight delays and cancellations, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and sparking concerns about the upcoming summer travel season.

According to United CEO Scott Kirby, over 20% of Newark’s air traffic controllers called out sick this week, exacerbating problems already caused by the closure of one runway for a $121 million rehabilitation project, scheduled to last until mid-June. With only one operational runway available under certain wind conditions, the FAA has been forced to significantly reduce the number of flights allowed to take off and land, leading to massive delays. On Friday alone, 19 flights were canceled and 297 delayed, with some arrival delays exceeding five hours.

The ATC staffing crisis is linked to the FAA’s relocation of Newark controllers from Long Island, followed by two recent system outages that prompted numerous controllers to take medical leave. Experts warn that these issues are likely to persist throughout the busy summer travel season, significantly impacting air travel nationwide. Aviation analyst John Nance emphasized the importance of Newark Airport to the overall flow of air traffic, highlighting the significant ripple effect of these disruptions.

In response to the crisis, the Department of Transportation is implementing a plan to address ATC staffing shortages, including increased salaries, bonuses to encourage delayed retirements, and a widened training pipeline. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the Philadelphia FAA facility, which experienced equipment failures contributing to the Newark delays, acknowledging the outdated technology and frustrated controllers.

Newark Airport has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The situation underscores a growing concern about the infrastructure and staffing challenges facing the nation’s air travel system.

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