Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are facing a second straight day of widespread delays and cancellations as air traffic control issues and radar staffing shortages continue to disrupt operations.
As of Tuesday afternoon, over 330 flights at Newark had been delayed, with more than 100 canceled entirely, according to data from FlightAware. Monday was even worse, with over 500 delays and 180 cancellations, frustrating thousands of passengers and straining airline operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a key radar facility near New York City was operating with limited staffing, impacting flight routes along the East Coast. This has led to extensive delays for both departures and arrivals, particularly at EWR, one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.
What’s Causing the Disruptions at Newark?
The root of the problem stems from a staffing shortage at the FAA’s New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which manages flights in and out of the congested New York metropolitan area. The radar facility plays a critical role in managing the dense and complex airspace around Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia airports.
While the FAA has not disclosed exactly why staffing is short, a spokesperson acknowledged “temporary staffing issues” and said the agency was working quickly to “address capacity constraints.”
To mitigate congestion, the FAA issued ground delay programs for flights into Newark, forcing airlines to space out departures and arrivals more than usual. This ripple effect has led to hours-long delays across the country, especially for flights connecting through or bound for EWR.
Airline Passenger Frustration Mounts
Travelers took to social media to vent their frustrations, sharing photos of packed terminals, overflowing baggage areas, and hours-long waits for rebookings.
“This is the worst airport experience of my life,” wrote one stranded flyer on X (formerly Twitter). “No communication from the airline, no explanation. Just canceled and rebooked for tomorrow.”
Others reported being stuck on the tarmac for more than an hour after landing, unable to get a gate assignment amid the backlog.
Airlines Respond, But Options Are Limited
Major carriers like United Airlines, which has a hub at Newark, have urged customers to check flight status before heading to the airport and offered flexible rebooking options. But with dozens of flights scrubbed and more delays expected, options for rerouting remain limited.
A United spokesperson said the airline is “working closely with the FAA and airport officials” to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
What to Expect on Wednesday
The FAA has not provided a clear timeline for when full staffing will resume at the radar facility.
However, travelers are being warned that disruptions would likely extend into Wednesday as airlines recover from the backlog.
If you’re flying through EWR this week, experts recommend arriving early, checking your flight status frequently, and preparing for the possibility of significant delays or cancellations.
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