Nearly 80 flights were canceled and over 40 were delayed at Newark Liberty International Airport due to a significant equipment failure that disrupted operations on Sunday morning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by implementing a 45-minute ground stop at the airport, which is a major hub for air traffic in the New York City area.
This latest incident follows a radar malfunction that caused a brief standstill at Newark just two days earlier. The repeated technical issues have raised concerns about the reliability of the airport’s air traffic control systems.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that flight schedules will be reduced at Newark for the next several weeks. This decision aims to ensure that travelers can have more confidence in their flight plans. Duffy emphasized the need for a reliable schedule, stating, “We want to have a number of flights that if you book your flight, you know it’s going to fly.”
A meeting with all airlines operating out of Newark is expected soon to discuss the necessary reductions in flights. United Airlines, which handles about 75% of the airport’s air traffic, will be a key player in these discussions.
Travelers should prepare for ongoing disruptions as the airport works to stabilize its operations amid these challenges.