URGENT UPDATE: Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant flight delays as the ongoing government shutdown severely impacts air traffic control operations. As of Sunday evening, delays for arriving flights are averaging a staggering 1 hour and 22 minutes, while departures are lagging behind by an average of 26 minutes, according to FlightAware.com.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a “traffic management program” at Newark due to critical staffing shortages. On Friday alone, the airport recorded 348 total flight delays, a troubling indication of the shutdown’s growing effects. As of 7:30 p.m. Friday, arrival delays were reported at 30 minutes, with inbound flights facing delays of about 55 minutes from their origin airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised alarms about the deteriorating situation, noting that the number of air traffic controllers calling in sick has surged since the shutdown began. Duffy emphasized that the situation is expected to worsen after the upcoming payday on Tuesday, which will leave many controllers with “a big fat zero” in their paychecks.
“Controllers are worried about how to pay their bills,” Duffy stated at a news conference on Friday in Philadelphia. He added, “The stress level that our controllers are under right now is unacceptable.”
The staffing crisis at many FAA facilities has reached a critical point, where even a small number of absences can lead to significant disruptions. This situation highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown, as air travelers brace for more delays and cancellations in the days to come.
Travelers are urged to stay informed about their flight statuses and prepare for potential disruptions. As the situation develops, further updates will be provided regarding the impact on air travel and measures being taken to alleviate the delays at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this evolving situation.