Last week, air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with pilots guiding flights to Newark Liberty International Airport, an incident that has occurred multiple times since August, according to a veteran controller. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced criticism due to these communication failures, particularly after a near-disaster on April 28. During that event, controllers reportedly lost contact for up to 90 seconds, placing numerous flights—often filled with passengers—at significant risk. This alarming situation highlighted the challenges controllers faced as they attempted to manage air traffic without reliable communications.
In the aftermath, Newark Airport has experienced significant operational disruptions, including delays of over four hours and the cancellation of numerous flights by United Airlines, a key carrier at the airport. This has raised concerns about air traffic controller staffing levels; four experienced personnel are currently on trauma leave, coupled with the ongoing shortage of controllers that totals around 3,000 vacancies nationwide.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have called attention to the systemic issues affecting air traffic control, including outdated technology and inadequate staffing. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby echoed these concerns, suggesting that Newark cannot handle its flight volume without sufficient controller support. The FAA acknowledged these challenges, stating that improvements in communication reliability and staffing are essential for safety. Moving forward, the FAA is exploring strategies to bolster its workforce and enhance system reliability as travelers continue to face delays and disruptions at Newark Airport.
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