Flight chaos at Newark Airport: Staffing crisis triggers hundreds of delays

UPDATED: May 5, 2025 00:05 IST

Newark Liberty Airport is facing a major staffing crisis due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, which prompted widespread delays and raised serious safety concerns. Over the weekend, more than 200 flights were delayed and dozens were canceled, with United Airlines announcing it would slash 35 daily roundtrip flights in response to the staffing emergency.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blamed both chronic understaffing and recent walkouts by over 20 per cent of FAA controllers assigned to the airport. “It’s now clear — and the FAA tells us — that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes scheduled to operate there,” Kirby said. He added that ageing FAA technology and recent system failures have worsened the situation.

An air traffic controller told MSNBC’s Tom Costello that the current conditions are unsafe for the flying public. “Don’t fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs,” the controller warned. Costello called the statement “incredible and unsolicited.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that staffing shortages are behind the delays, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a new hiring initiative, offering bonuses to attract new talent. “You’re starting to see cracks in the system,” Duffy said, urging swift action to prevent future incidents.

The staffing crisis comes as the Trump administration continues widespread cuts to federal agencies, including the FAA. Meanwhile, Tesla chief Elon Musk has dismissed allegations that his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to downsize FAA operations.

The Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that while hiring more staff is crucial, long-overdue upgrades to infrastructure and technology must also be prioritized.