Air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a significant communication breakdown last week, leaving them "unable to see, hear, or talk to" the aircraft they were responsible for. This incident on April 28 not only resulted in several controllers being placed on trauma leave but also led to a staggering number of delayed and diverted flights. Tracking service FlightAware reported over 150 cancellations just on Monday, exacerbating frustrations at one of New York’s busiest transport hubs, which has been struggling with staffing shortages for some time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged the situation, admitting that an outdated air traffic control system has negatively impacted their workforce. The agency confirmed that controllers had chosen to take leave due to the traumatic nature of the incident, with a spokesperson stating they were unable to quickly find replacements. "We continue to train more controllers for this crucial airspace," the FAA mentioned in a statement. This situation has drawn increased scrutiny regarding air traffic operations at Newark.
In a move reflecting the increased operational difficulties, United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 flights every day from Newark, indicating that the airport simply lacks the capacity to handle its current flight schedule. "We have faced technology failures in air traffic control recently that have forced numerous flights to be diverted and led to hundreds of delays," noted United's CEO Scott Kirby. He mentioned that over 20% of FAA controllers have stepped away from their roles, compounding the situation.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, representing the affected employees, confirmed that numerous controllers took leave due to the traumatic event but declined to disclose the specific number or duration of the communication loss. The Newark incident comes amidst a newly launched recruitment initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation, aimed at increasing the number of FAA controllers. The Department is on track to hire at least 2,000 controllers in the current year to address ongoing challenges.
In a related development, the FAA emphasized its commitment to hiring and onboard air traffic controllers. Following a tragic mid-air collision in Washington, past decisions led to the termination of hundreds of FAA employees, highlighting the need for a robust workforce in air traffic management as operational pressures mount.
