Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has faced severe flight disruptions since 28 April 2025, due to air traffic control (ATC) issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responding with urgent measures to address staffing shortages, outdated technology, and equipment failures.
These problems have caused delays, cancellations, and safety concerns, affecting thousands of passengers. Here’s how the FAA is working to resolve the crisis and restore normal operations.
What Caused the Newark ATC Crisis?
The trouble began with a critical outage on April 28 at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which manages Newark’s airspace.
Controllers lost radar and radio contact with aircraft for 30 to 90 seconds due to a burnt copper wire. This led to immediate safety measures, slowing arrivals and departures.
The incident triggered trauma leave for at least five controllers, worsening an already dire staffing shortage.
Runway construction and weather issues, like low cloud cover, further compounded delays. On May 7, Newark saw 41 canceled departures and 43 canceled arrivals, leading the nation in disruptions.
The reliance on 40-year-old radar systems and outdated copper telecommunications lines has exposed the fragility of the ATC infrastructure.
Senator Chuck Schumer called for a probe, questioning why copper wires are still in use in 2025. Public frustration, voiced by officials like New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, has labeled the situation “unacceptable.”
FAA Immediate Actions
The FAA is taking swift steps to stabilize operations. First, it’s addressing staffing at the Philadelphia TRACON, which currently has 22 fully certified controllers and 21 in training.
The agency plans to hire 2,000 new controllers in 2025, offering bonuses and a 30% pay raise to attract candidates. A new recruitment award and retention incentive program aims to curb chronic understaffing.
Second, the FAA is upgrading technology. It’s replacing copper lines with high-bandwidth fiber-optic connections to improve reliability. Three new data connections will add redundancy between New York and Philadelphia systems.
A temporary backup system is also being deployed at the TRACON. The FAA is modernizing the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) to enhance performance.
To manage congestion, the FAA has reduced flight volumes at Newark. United Airlines, a major operator at EWR, cut 35 daily flights starting May 3, dropping from 440 to 293 daily operations.
These measures prioritize safety but have led to ripple effects, with over 1,500 flights delayed last week across major U.S. airports.
Looking Ahead
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a multibillion-dollar overhaul of the national ATC system, accelerated after a January 2025 midair collision near Washington, D.C.
Set for unveiling on May 8, this plan requires Congressional funding to modernize aging infrastructure. The FAA acknowledges that outdated systems increase disruption risks and is committed to long-term upgrades.
As of May 7, 2025, Newark reported no widespread delays, though a ground delay or stop was expected after 1 p.m. Eastern.
The FAA’s response shows progress, but passengers and airlines await lasting solutions. With staffing boosts, tech upgrades, and modernization plans, the agency aims to prevent future crises and ensure ATC consistency.
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