Sun May 04 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## United Airlines Cuts Newark Flights Due to Air Traffic Control Crisis

**Newark, NJ –** United Airlines announced Friday it will cancel 35 daily round-trip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport, citing the airport’s inability to handle its current flight volume due to severe air traffic control staffing shortages. The move affects approximately 10% of United’s daily operations at the major hub.

CEO Scott Kirby attributed the drastic measure to a combination of understaffing at the Newark air traffic control facility and recent technological failures which led to significant flight delays and cancellations. He stated in a letter to customers that the airport lacks the capacity to manage its scheduled flights in the coming weeks and months. Kirby highlighted a recent walkout by over 20% of FAA staff as further exacerbating the problem.

The airline has long urged the government to reclassify Newark as a Level 3 airport, a designation that would allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to limit flight schedules based on infrastructure limitations.

The air traffic controller shortage is a nationwide issue, compounded by mandatory retirement at age 56 and restrictive age limits for new applicants. A recent Department of Transportation report highlighted the FAA’s lack of a comprehensive plan to address this persistent problem.

However, CEO Kirby expressed cautious optimism following a call with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Secretary Duffy announced a plan to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers this year, along with offering significant monetary incentives to attract and retain staff, particularly at understaffed facilities like Newark. He emphasized the urgency of upgrading the air traffic control system.

United’s decision comes after the airline previously announced a 4% reduction in its domestic flight schedule in July. This latest action underscores the severity of the ongoing air traffic control crisis and its impact on air travel. Newark Liberty International Airport has yet to comment on the situation.

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