Newark Liberty International Airport is experiencing significant flight delays for the fifth consecutive day due to air traffic control staffing issues, as reported by the FAA. These delays, averaging over two hours, have been compounded by ongoing equipment outages that recently forced United Airlines to cancel and divert numerous flights. The FAA has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the staffing shortages but acknowledges the need to equip controllers adequately and ensure sufficient staffing levels. This situation is further complicated by a runway rehabilitation project at Newark, which will continue to affect operations until mid-June. Efforts to address these issues include relocating a key control facility to attract new hires, but challenges remain as the busy summer travel season approaches.

The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed delays at Newark Liberty International Airport for over five days due to staffing shortages, resulting in a Ground Delay Program with flight delays averaging more than two hours.

Recent equipment outages have exacerbated the situation, causing United Airlines to cancel over 100 flights and divert 37 others, with one flight having to return to its origin halfway through the journey.

FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau highlighted ongoing investigations into the technological interruptions and emphasized the importance of proper equipment and staffing for air traffic controllers.

The airport is also dealing with a runway rehabilitation project that regularly closes one of its main runways, further contributing to the operational challenges and delays.

Efforts to mitigate staffing issues included relocating a control facility from Long Island to Philadelphia to attract new hires, yet staffing remains a challenge as the busy summer travel season approaches.

FAA airspace advisories indicate a pattern of delays at Newark, with one in five flights canceled and over 40% of all departures and arrivals delayed on a recent day.

The combination of staffing shortages, equipment issues, and runway closures poses significant hurdles for managing air traffic at Newark during a critical travel period.