Mayhem at Newark Airport: A Diving Board of Chaos
Airport chaos in Newark: Understanding the causes behind the recent disruption
The "Money Time Show" panel chats about America's crumbling infrastructure, delving into problems at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
In the digital wilderness, EWR remains silent on the matters causing travel turmoil, forcing passengers and carriers to adapt their plans.
By Wednesday morning, FlightAware reveals that 150 flights have been axed at EWR over the past 24 hours. That represents a 23% nosedive compared to the same week in 2024, according to the site.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Department of Transportation's Secretary, Sean Duffy, have provided a vocal account of the catastrophes they attribute to the terminal's woes. They single out four main factors causing the turbulence over a fortnight.
*AIRPORT MAYHEM: NEW DELAYS, COMMUNICATION MALFUNCTIONS*
A traveler waits in line at the United Airlines check-in area at Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport on May 6, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Andres Kudacki / Getty Images)
1. LABOR STRIFE
Following a brief radar and radio blackout with aircraft on April 28, an FAA statement to FOX Business stated, "Some controllers at Philadelphia TRACON who handle Newark arrivals and departures have called in sick due to the ongoing stress of recent outages."
"While we cannot swiftly replace them due to this specialized profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace," the statement said.
The National Air Traffic Controller's Union informed FOX 5 New York that the air traffic controllers involved in the 90-second radar and communications blackout were so traumatized that they're now on leave, which might extend up to 45 days.
*STRANDED PASSENGERS, SCAMMERS: EXPERTS SHARE ADVICE FOR NEWARK AIRPORT WOES*
A United Airlines airplane departs Newark Liberty International Airport in front of the skyline of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City, February 20, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
2. CONSTRUCTION
Currently, only one runway is operational at EWR, as an FAA spokesperson confessed to FOX Business on Tuesday.
It is shuttered due to a $121 million rehabilitation construction project slated to conclude mid-June, according to FOX 5.
3. INCLEMENT WEATHER
Low ceilings, or ground-hugging clouds, have also caused flight delays and cancellations at EWR, local TV station PIX 11 reported.
There's roughly a 15% chance of showers on Wednesday in the New York City metro area, according to FOX 5 New York.
*A PROBLEM BUBBLING UNDER: PILOT RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT NEW YORK'S 'SLEEPER CITY' AIRPORTS*
An airport control tower is visible at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 6, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. Passengers traveling to, from or through Newark Liberty International Airport have battled eight straight days of delays, United Airlines cancellations, and staffing shortages in Newark, New Jersey, on May 6, 2025. (Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu / Getty Images)
4. OLD-FASHIONED TECH
Duffy has often voiced his concerns about outdated technology in air traffic control throughout the U.S. He alleged on Twitter Tuesday that the previous administration was aware of the issues but did nothing.
"Biden and Buttigieg celebrated their infrastructure bill .1.2 TRILLION dollars. The largest infrastructure project ever." Duffy posted on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.
An insider view of Newark Airport as passengers endure eight consecutive days of extreme delays, United Airlines canceling routes, and staffing shortages, on May 6, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu / Getty Images)
*JOIN US ON FOX BUSINESS FOR MORE DETAILS*
"They boasted it would revolutionize America. They squandered less than 1% of the money on fixing our air traffic control system. They ignored the warnings. Instead, they focused on social justice and climate activism nonsense," Duffy finished.
The FAA labeled the system "antediluvian," but affirmed the agency is working to ensure the local telecommunications equipment is more dependable in the New York area by establishing a more resilient and redundant setup with local providers.
Reuters contributed to this report.
- The US Department of Transportation's Secretary, Sean Duffy, claimed that outdated technology in air traffic control throughout the US, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport, is one of the four main factors causing travel turmoil.
- According to a Reuters report, the economy could face disruptions as a result of the ongoing chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport, affecting passengers' lifestyles and businesses that rely on travel.
- By 2025, many passengers may be postponing or canceling travel plans due to the ongoing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport, which could negatively impact the tourism industry.
- Technology companies could potentially offer solutions to address the issues at Newark Liberty International Airport, such as upgrading the airport's old-fashioned tech to improve air traffic control and telecommunications infrastructure. This could bring about improvements in the airport's operations and potentially restore faith in the flight system.
