FAA: Air traffic controllers briefly lose radar access again at Newark airport

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4:16 pm

Newark Airport Radar Outage Strikes Again, Raising Concerns About Aging Air Traffic Control System

For the second time in two weeks, air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) experienced a radar outage, raising serious questions about the reliability of the nation's air traffic control infrastructure. The latest incident, occurring Friday morning at 3:55 a.m., saw the radar system in Philadelphia, which manages flights in and out of Newark, go dark for 90 seconds. This mirrors a similar outage on April 28th.

The initial outage on April 28th caused significant disruptions, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays at Newark. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to slow down air traffic to ensure safety. The situation was further compounded by several air traffic controllers taking trauma leave following the initial incident, exacerbating existing staffing shortages.

The FAA is taking steps to address the issue, including the installation of new fiber optic data lines to replace outdated copper wiring that carries radar signals between Philadelphia and New York. This upgrade is intended to improve the reliability of the system.

The recent outages highlight the broader issue of aging air traffic control infrastructure across the United States. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a multi-billion-dollar plan on Thursday to modernize the system, aiming to prevent future disruptions and equip controllers with advanced technology. This plan was developed in response to a deadly midair collision in January near Washington, D.C., although the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet determined if the air traffic control system was a contributing factor. The shortcomings of the system have been known for decades.

BNN's Perspective: While the FAA's swift response and planned upgrades are encouraging, the recurring radar outages at Newark underscore the urgent need for comprehensive modernization of the air traffic control system. The safety and efficiency of air travel depend on reliable infrastructure, and the government's investment in this area is crucial to prevent future disruptions and ensure passenger safety.

Keywords: Newark Airport, EWR, radar outage, air traffic control, FAA, flight delays, flight cancellations, Philadelphia, fiber optic, Sean Duffy, air traffic control system, infrastructure, safety, transportation, outages, delays, cancellations, air travel, Newark Liberty International Airport

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