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Newark Liberty International Airport is grappling with ongoing flight delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages and equipment issues. For ten consecutive days, passengers have faced disruptions, with the airport experiencing significant delays in flight schedules.
A radar and communications blackout last Monday (April 28) left air traffic controllers unable to communicate with aircraft for up to 90 seconds, as reported by ABC7NY. This incident, caused by a fried piece of copper wire, led to several controllers taking trauma leave. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to address these issues by bringing in supervisors from across the country and offering bonuses to retain experienced controllers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized the Biden Administration for not resolving these issues earlier and has announced plans to modernize the air traffic control system. Meanwhile, New Jersey lawmakers, including Governor Phil Murphy, are urging the FAA to prioritize staffing and technology upgrades to prevent further disruptions.
The FAA's ground delay program, which held planes for an average of two and a half hours, expired at midnight. United Airlines has responded by canceling 35 daily flights to reduce pressure on the system. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for significant improvements in the nation's air traffic infrastructure.