Air traffic controller at major US airport makes worrying assessment for passengers
An air traffic controller at Newark Liberty International Airport has reportedly issued a warning for passengers following a huge number of cancellations and delays.
The airport welcomed 49 million travellers in 2024, making it the second busiest in New York City, according to the New York Post.
In recent weeks, however, Newark has faced a number of delays and cancellations, with United Airlines having announced the cancellation of 35 roundtrip flights a day 'to protect our customers', the Post further reports.
United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement on Friday (2 May) that Newark has lost 20 percent of its air controllers, who 'walked off the job', while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the build up in delays were due to a lack of air traffic controllers at the airport and runway construction.
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Kirby believes the problems have been building up for years and has urged the US Government to 'limit the number of flights to what the airport can realistically handle'.
"In the past few days, on more than one occasion, technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on to manage the airplanes coming in and out of Newark airport failed - resulting in dozens of diverted flights, hundreds of delayed and canceled flights and worst of all, thousands of customers with disrupted travel plans," Kirby said.
It comes after an air traffic controller reportedly told NBC News that the airport is 'not safe' for travellers.
“It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public,” the air safety employee reportedly said to senior NBC News correspondent Tom Costello.
“Really an incredible statement, unsolicited. He just said that to me, and separately, ‘Don’t fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs'.” Costello added.
On Thursday (1 May), transportation secretary Sean Duffy said they were looking to increase employment in the FAA and try to take on at least 2,000 controllers this year, according to The Guardian.
"We’re hoping in three to four years we can get to full staffing, not 20 years," he said. "How do you make up the gap? We can’t snap our fingers to make up the numbers."
Kirby went on to claim in his statement on Friday that 'technology issues were compounded as over 20 percent of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job'.
"Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years," he added. "And without these controllers, it’s now clear –and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead."
Kirby did note that Newark 'is an incredible airport' and that the FAA 'can help it fulfil its incredible potential to be a safe, reliable and efficient gateway to the world for the American traveling public'.
LADbible Group has contacted Newark Liberty International Airport and the FAA for comment.
Anish Vij