Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to reduce flight capacity at Newark airport

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 1:01 pm

Newark Airport Flight Capacity to be Reduced Amid Delays and Controller Shortage

Newark Liberty International Airport is facing significant challenges, prompting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to take action. Due to recurring radar outages and a shortage of air traffic controllers, Duffy plans to reduce flight capacity at the New Jersey airport for the coming weeks.

Speaking on Sunday news programs, Duffy announced he will meet with airlines operating out of Newark this week to determine the extent of the reduction. The cuts will be dynamic, with larger reductions expected during afternoon hours when international arrivals increase airport congestion. The primary goal, according to Duffy, is to ensure that booked flights actually depart on time, minimizing passenger delays and frustration.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported a 90-second radar outage at the Philadelphia facility that directs Newark air traffic on Friday, mirroring a similar incident in April. Since mid-April, Newark has seen an average of 34 arrival cancellations daily, with delays increasing throughout the day. These delays typically last between 85 and 137 minutes.

To address the underlying issues, the Trump administration has proposed a multi-billion dollar overhaul of the U.S. air traffic control system, including new centers and technology upgrades. Duffy also intends to raise the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers from 56 to 61 and offer a 20% bonus to encourage them to stay on the job. He acknowledges that these solutions won't be immediate fixes, but they are necessary to address the current shortage of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby praised Duffy's focus on safety, noting that United has already reduced its Newark schedule. Kirby anticipates further capacity cuts, potentially lasting until June 15th when runway construction is scheduled to be completed, with some reductions likely to continue throughout the summer.

BNN's Perspective: While reducing flight capacity is a necessary short-term solution to alleviate the immediate problems at Newark, it's crucial to balance this with the long-term needs of travelers and the economic impact on the region. The administration's proposed investments in air traffic control infrastructure and personnel are welcome, but the success of these initiatives will depend on swift implementation and effective collaboration between government, airlines, and air traffic controllers.

Keywords: Newark Airport, flight delays, flight cancellations, air traffic controllers, radar outage, Sean Duffy, United Airlines, air traffic control, FAA, airport capacity, travel, travel news, airport delays, Newark Liberty International Airport, air travel, flight reductions, air traffic control shortage

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