One of the busiest airports in the country, Newar Liberty International Airport is struggling with major delays and cancellations amidst technical disruptions, staffing shortages and runway closures.
Communication issues, including a short radar outage at air traffic control facilities on Friday and a shutdown last month, have made travelers wonder how safe it is to fly to Newark. There has also been growing concern after two crashes of two well-known commercial planes involving US airlines earlier this year.
A recent vote commissioned by Point Guy and conducted by Harris' polls showed that 65% of Americans said they were nervous about flying due to the recent incident.
Things you need to know about coming and going from Newark.
What's behind the delay?
In short, the confluence of factors such as runway closures, changes to airport air transport control operations, lack of staffing, and equipment failures.
Travel security and safety expert Sheldon H. Jacobson caused the confusion, “A Perfect Storm.” The National Space System has long been dependent on aging infrastructure, he explained, and while airport facilities are frequently updated, the air traffic control system has not kept pace.
With over 2 million people being screened by the US Transport Security Bureau per day as travel demand surges, the outdated infrastructure said it is struggling to keep up.
Newark's recent software and hardware issues are rattling airport traffic controllers. Current and former air traffic controllers who handled Newark traffic said they would avoid coming and going from the airport, both for safety and convenience. The current controller advised travelers to choose a different airport. Please note that flights in and out of Newark are likely to face delays.
The former controller said safety risk factors are on the rise.
What do authorities say about Newark's safety?
Authorities say it is safe, in contrast to the concerns that some controllers have stated.
At a press conference Monday, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy referred to an outdated backup communications line and more. “We're trying to slow down the 1980 equipment to the 1990 speed,” he said.
Duffy said he plans to reduce flights in Newark as a safety measure. “We make sure that if you fly, if you fly safely, and if we reduce the number of flights in Newark, we're not doing it to bother people, we're not doing it to delay people's trips,” he said. “What we do is ensure safety and if there's a problem, we actually slow things down.”
At the press conference, FAA representative manager Chris Rocheroux also emphasized the safety of flights at the airport. He said starting Monday, the agency has convened a task force to address issues that involve representatives from the FAA and technology and communications contractors. Transportation department officials are expected to meet with airline executives on Wednesday to discuss flight cuts. United, which operates about two-thirds of its flights in Newark, is cutting back on what's already flying there.
In an article in Fox News Opinion on Friday, United CEO Scott Kirby urged customers to “not blend these challenges and constraints with safety,” due to the disruptions over the outdated, underfunded system.
“In short, neither the FAA nor the United will compromise on safety,” he writes. “However, if the FAA stops technology or lacks staffing, it leads to customer delays and cancellations, which is the issue that they decided to resolve.”
United also proved safety, including links to a video featuring the airline's flight training director, Miles Morgan, and answered questions from travelers about Newark. “It's absolutely safe to fly,” he says in the video.
Are other airports facing similar issues?
Newark's SN traffic echoed throughout the country's air travel system. The FAA website showed delays at many U.S. airports on Monday, and travel advisories issued by the agency reported average expected delays for passengers flying to Newark, citing the reason for the delay as “staffing.” The agency also shows the average delays expected at airports across the country on its website.
Jacobson said travelers need to worry about delays rather than safety. He added that Newark should not be the only airport that raises concerns.
“I think the air traffic control towers and systems at every airport are checking everything right now, because everyone is on alert,” he said.
Should I consider other options?
For travelers looking for alternatives, options remain limited. For travelling over 1000 miles, flying continues to be the safest and most practical choice. Driving poses much greater risks, with over 100 deaths on US roads every day.
Travelers with flexible itineraries may consider rebooking future flights to depart or arrive at another nearby airport. United are offering travelers until May 23rd to rebook Newark flights to Philadelphia or Lagardia airports.
Cheyenne Morton is one of the travelers who are nervous about flying.
Morton, a sophomore teacher in the area near Houston, led a group of 30 eighth graders on a class trip to New York City and Washington, DC, and was returning home from Newark Airport.
“They always tell you not to jump out of Newark. There are construction issues, delays, traffic issues from New York, cancelled flights, last minute gate changes,” said Morton, her late 30s. “It all sounds like a lot of mismanagement.”
For those who find themselves in Newark and are late due to recent issues, IHG Hotels & Resorts offers temporary balms. Travelers who submit proof of flight interruption through the booking page can receive free drinks, appetizers and loyalty points, even those who are not members of the loyalty program.
Emily Steele and Mark Bonamo reported.
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