Aging Infrastructure, Air Traffic Controller Shortages Afflict Newark Airport, Disrupt US Flights

A perfect storm of problems has hit one of the US’s busiest airports. Newark Liberty International Airport is facing air traffic controller shortages, aging tech, and a runway closure. Critics say the problems are much like the troubles many airports face across the country.      

Hundreds of Newark flights have been canceled or delayed in recent weeks. That impacts air travel around the US and the world. United Airlines has slashed 35 flights per day in response. United serves nearly two-thirds of the fliers who come through Newark. Airline officials warn people not to expect things to improve soon.

"We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers," United CEO Scott Kirby told NPR.  

Upgrades to Runway 4L-22R won’t be finished until mid-June. It handles nearly half of the airport’s traffic. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials have yet to announce end dates for other upgrades. The upgrades include swapping copper lines with fiber-optics. They also include installing high-bandwidth communications systems and backup hardware. The upgrades are a part of the airport’s $121 million repairs.       

On April 28, a burned-out copper wire triggered a radio and radar blackout for up to 90 seconds. That left air traffic controllers unable to talk to pilots during that time. The incident scared many workers. A number of them took 45 days off work. Since then, 1 in 5 of Newark's air traffic controllers have either quit or called in sick. That's according to news outlets. The job ranks among the world’s most high-stress jobs.      

The FAA reports there’s a shortage of 3,000 US air traffic controllers. One cause is an increase in retirements. Another is not enough hiring. A third reason is a high rate of trainees dropping out. Last week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a plan to address the issues. It includes higher pay for air traffic controllers.    

Reflect: What are some ways you stay calm and flexible when your plans suddenly change?