United Airlines Announces Flight Cancellations at Newark Airport
United Airlines will implement significant reductions in its flight schedule from Newark Liberty International Airport, canceling 35 roundtrip flights daily. This decision comes in response to severe delays that affected thousands of passengers throughout the week. CEO Scott Kirby attributed the disruptions to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, as well as ongoing technology issues with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Extent of the Disruptions
The planned flight cancellations represent roughly 10% of United’s daily operations at its Newark hub. According to flight-tracking platform FlightAware, more than 300 flights had faced delays at Newark as of Friday afternoon, compounded by over 1,400 additional delays and cancellations earlier in the week.
CEO’s Statement
In a message to customers, Kirby expressed disappointment over the necessity of further cuts, stating, “It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.”
Staffing Challenges
Kirby revealed that nearly 20% of the air traffic controllers at Newark had recently “walked off the job” in the wake of several technological failures. He emphasized the chronic understaffing at this particular air traffic control facility, which has severely impacted Newark’s ability to manage flights effectively. “Without these controllers, it’s now clear… that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” he noted.
FAA’s Response
The FAA confirmed staffing issues were indeed causing delays at Newark on Friday. Kirby suggested that the agency should implement stricter flight capacities at Newark, similar to what is enforced at other congested airports, such as New York’s LaGuardia and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Prior Changes and Future Outlook
To alleviate congestion, the FAA previously shifted air traffic control responsibilities from the Newark area to the Philadelphia facility. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the situation, having visited the Philadelphia office to address equipment outages the FAA blamed on outdated technology. He called for a complete overhaul of the air traffic control system, stating, “It’s unacceptable.”
United’s Mitigation Efforts
In light of these disruptions, United Airlines announced it would waive change fees and fare differences for passengers impacted by the changes to its Newark schedule.
Conclusion
This series of cancellations not only reflects an urgent response to immediate operational difficulties but also underscores long-term issues within the air traffic control infrastructure affecting Newark and other airports nationwide.
