Air Traffic Controller Shortage Causes Delays at Newark Liberty International Airport

NEWARK, N.J. — Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport are experiencing delays for the second consecutive day due to an ongoing air traffic controller shortage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to slow down air traffic coming into Newark, resulting in flights arriving more than an hour late.

According to CBS News New York Investigates Tim McNicholas, the shortage is a nationwide issue, with the FAA currently down 3,000 controllers. The agency has cited safety concerns as the reason for the delays, which have also been attributed to staffing problems in the past.

McNicholas reported that the FAA recently relocated air traffic controllers from Newark to Philadelphia over the weekend, causing further disruptions in operations. While the FAA assured that the move was successful, it has had to reduce operations as the controllers settle into their new roles.

Despite the relocation plan being opposed by the controllers’ union, the FAA believes that it will ultimately help with staffing by enabling more controllers to be trained. Travelers at the airport expressed mixed feelings about the delays, with some acknowledging the importance of air traffic controllers in ensuring safety.

Passengers were seen closely monitoring flight boards and receiving notifications about the delays. Some United Airlines customers were informed about air traffic control limits potentially leading to delays and longer taxi times. While some travelers were understanding of the situation, others were frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding the hold-ups.

As the FAA continues to address the staffing shortage, travelers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and plan accordingly for their journeys.