The airline industry is currently navigating a series of challenges that are affecting operations nationwide, with Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) emerging as a notable hotspot of disruption. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, Newark plays a critical role in connecting travelers across the country and internationally. However, in 2025, systemic problems at Newark have highlighted broader issues facing the airline industry, including staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and operational delays.
Newark Airport: The Epicenter of Disruptions
Newark Liberty International Airport has been experiencing significant operational difficulties due to a combination of air traffic control (ATC) system failures and chronic understaffing. In May 2025, Newark's air traffic control center suffered a critical radar outage that lasted approximately 90 seconds, during which four airplanes temporarily lost tracking. Alarmingly, only one controller was on duty at that time. This incident exposed the severe understaffing problem, with Newark's ATC workforce operating at just 58% of the required levels.
Such shortages have led to numerous flight delays and cancellations, with United Airlines alone cutting 35 daily flights from Newark in response to these safety and operational concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has admitted that staffing deficits, especially in the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility that manages traffic around Newark, have been a key factor worsening the delays.
Broader Industry Challenges
Newark’s struggles are not isolated but reflect larger structural challenges confronting the U.S. airline industry. The FAA currently faces a shortage of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide, contributing to increased strain on the existing workforce and heightened risk of operational mishaps. Many ATC facilities also rely on aging radar and communication technology that can malfunction, further complicating safe and efficient flight management.
The combination of staffing shortages, outdated equipment, and increased demand during peak travel seasons creates a perfect storm for disruption. This situation is worsened by the global supply chain issues that have delayed aircraft deliveries, limiting airlines' ability to expand or replace aging fleets.
What’s Being Done?
To mitigate these issues, the FAA has been implementing short-term measures such as reassigning controllers to busier facilities and capping flight volumes at airports with severe congestion like Newark. Airlines are also adjusting schedules and proactively reducing flights to improve reliability.
However, industry experts agree that these are temporary fixes. Long-term solutions require substantial investment in recruiting and training new air traffic controllers and modernizing ATC infrastructure. Congress and aviation authorities are under pressure to allocate funds and enact reforms to prevent ongoing disruptions.
What Travelers Should Know
As summer travel ramps up, passengers flying through Newark and other busy airports should expect potential delays and plan accordingly. Staying updated on flight statuses, arriving early, and having flexible travel plans can help reduce stress amid unpredictable disruptions.
Looking Ahead
The challenges faced by Newark Liberty International Airport shine a spotlight on the urgent need for modernization in the airline industry’s critical infrastructure. Without sustained investment in technology and workforce, operational issues are likely to persist, impacting millions of travelers each year. Addressing these concerns is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of air travel in the years ahead.