Last week, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced significant flight delays due to a communication failure between air traffic controllers and aircraft. The incident occurred last Monday when a ground stop was implemented following an equipment malfunction at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nature of the malfunction has not been specified.
Air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON, responsible for managing flight operations at Newark, reportedly lost all communication with incoming and outgoing aircraft, which left them unable to provide essential guidance. While the duration of the communication loss remains unclear, it prompted controllers to take leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which addresses trauma-related incidents at work.
Since the incident, Newark airport has faced persistent delays and cancellations, severely impacting airlines like United, which grounded hundreds of flights. By Monday afternoon, over 300 flights were delayed and more than 150 were canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Travelers have reported difficulties, with some, like passenger Bill Walker, experiencing nearly three-hour delays. Others, such as Ireland Hernandez and Sarah Arce, faced canceled flights without adequate support or compensation from airline staff.
United CEO Scott Kirby pointed out that the Philadelphia TRACON has suffered from chronic understaffing, contributing to the airport’s operational challenges. The nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers remains a pressing issue, with approximately 3,000 vacant positions reported. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is reportedly working on initiatives to address this labor shortage and improve air traffic control systems. The FAA has not yet commented on the situation.
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