Newark Airport’s Air Traffic Control Issues Highlight: Newark Airport’s air traffic control issues highlight national infrastructure challenges that are affecting flight safety, efficiency, and traveler confidence across the United States. In early May 2025, a terrifying 90-second blackout at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) left a single controller managing multiple planes without radar or radio contact. It’s the latest red flag in a growing list of aviation system failures that experts say stem from outdated tech and short staffing. This isn’t just a Newark problem—it’s a warning shot for the nation’s entire air travel system.
Newark Airport’s Air Traffic Control Issues Highlight
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | May 9, 2025 |
| Issue | 90-second radar and communications blackout |
| Staffing Crisis | 17 of 33 air traffic controllers relocated after FAA move from Long Island to Philadelphia |
| Flight Caps Enforced | FAA limited flights to 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour until June 15, 2025 |
| National Impact | FAA reports over 700 weekly outages nationwide across air traffic control systems |
| Modernization Funding Sought | Airline CEOs push Congress for $31 billion to modernize U.S. air traffic control systems |
Newark Airport’s air traffic control crisis is a microcosm of a much bigger national problem. If we don’t act now—by investing in people, upgrading tech, and supporting smart legislation—we risk more blackouts, more delays, and potential disasters.
This is a wake-up call for Congress, the FAA, and the flying public. Because keeping the skies safe isn’t just about planes—it’s about people, trust, and preparedness.
What Exactly Happened at Newark?
On May 9, 2025, a single air traffic controller at Newark’s Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility experienced a complete communication and radar blackout for 90 seconds. During this window, four commercial jets were in the air, and the controller couldn’t talk to or track them.
The controller, later placed on administrative leave, described the event as traumatic and terrifying. Aviation experts confirmed that the incident could’ve led to disaster had the situation persisted longer.
“This could’ve ended very badly. We dodged a bullet,” said aviation safety analyst Mary Schiavo.
What’s Causing These Air Traffic Control Failures?
The problem is twofold:
1. Outdated Technology
The FAA’s systems are running on decades-old software. Some terminals still rely on tech built in the 1990s. These outdated systems experience 700+ outages per week nationwide, according to FAA internal reports.
2. Critical Staffing Shortages
The relocation of TRACON operations from Long Island to Philadelphia in 2024 caused a mass exodus. Only 17 of 33 controllers agreed to move. With fewer trained controllers on staff, fatigue and burnout are skyrocketing.
And it’s not just Newark. Airports in Chicago, Atlanta, and New York are also struggling to fill critical air traffic roles.
Why This Matters to Everyday Travelers
This isn’t just an insider issue. These breakdowns hit close to home—here’s how:
Flight Delays
Less staffing means fewer flights allowed per hour. Newark is temporarily capped at 28 takeoffs and 28 landings per hour. Travelers feel the squeeze with longer layovers and missed connections.
Safety Concerns
With outdated radar and fewer eyes on the skies, collision risk increases. These near-miss incidents are becoming more common, and every delay in communication raises the stakes.
Ticket Prices May Rise
Flight caps and delays mean fewer available seats. That basic supply-demand dynamic could drive up prices, especially for peak travel seasons.
Traveler Confidence Is Falling
When flyers hear stories about blackout events or lone controllers, it shakes trust in the system. And let’s face it, nobody wants to fly when they’re not sure someone’s watching the skies.
What’s the FAA Doing About It?
1. Flight Caps
The FAA has capped flight traffic at Newark to reduce strain on overworked controllers. It’s a short-term fix, but it’s not sustainable.
2. Technology Modernization Plans
The FAA is working on NextGen, a $35 billion modernization plan launched in 2007, aiming to shift from radar to satellite-based tracking. But progress has been slow and plagued with budget delays.
3. Calls for Congressional Funding
Airline CEOs recently called on Congress to allocate at least $31 billion to speed up upgrades and expand hiring. Without it, U.S. aviation risks falling behind global standards.
“The current system is failing Americans,” said the CEOs of Delta, United, and Southwest in a joint statement.
What Needs to Happen Next
Fixing this problem is going to take coordinated effort across government and industry. Here’s a roadmap:
- Boost Funding: Congress needs to unlock urgent funds for infrastructure—both hardware and human.
- Hire and Train More Controllers: The U.S. is short thousands of air traffic controllers. Hiring and training programs must be expanded, especially with an aging workforce nearing retirement.
- Upgrade Equipment: Switching from outdated radar systems to modern satellite tracking will reduce outages and increase flight safety.
- Establish Regional Redundancy: Each major air hub should have a secondary backup center in case of blackouts or emergencies, so no single point of failure shuts down operations.
- Improve Working Conditions: Controllers are burning out fast. Better hours, mental health support, and incentive pay could help retain skilled workers.
FAQs On Newark Airport’s Air Traffic Control Issues Highlight
Q: Why is Newark Airport having so many issues?
A: Newark is understaffed, overburdened, and relying on outdated tech. These issues compound during peak travel times.
Q: How common are radar or communication blackouts?
A: More than 700 outages happen each week nationally, though most are brief. Newark’s May 9 event was longer and riskier than most.
Q: Is it still safe to fly?
A: Yes—for now. But recurring breakdowns stress the system and increase the chances of accidents if left unaddressed.
Q: What is the FAA’s NextGen system?
A: NextGen is a modernization initiative using satellite navigation to replace radar. It aims to improve safety and efficiency but has been slow to roll out.
Q: What can travelers do?
A: Stay informed, check flight status regularly, and support legislation that funds aviation infrastructure.
Learn More and Get Involved
- FAA Air Traffic Services
- NextGen Modernization Plan
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
