Updated at 5 PM ET
Rising Delays and Cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport
Recent developments at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have raised alarming questions about an outdated air traffic management system and the well-being of air traffic controllers as delays and cancellations mount. As of 5:00 PM ET on May 6, FlightAware reported 139 cancellations and 289 delayed flights at EWR, with a record of 141 canceled flights on May 4 and another 160 on May 5.
Concerns About Communication Gaps
Several media outlets have shed light on significant communication failures between air traffic controllers and pilots, exacerbating the current chaos. For example, a United Airlines flight from New Orleans (MSY) to Newark experienced a 30-second communication blackout with air traffic controllers, leading to cascading effects that caused prolonged delays and cancellations throughout the week. CNN noted that this incident resulted in controllers taking leave due to trauma and a renewed investigation into the aging air traffic control system.
“Those 30 seconds of silence when communication went down ultimately cascaded into a weeklong meltdown at Newark, one of the nation’s largest airports,” CNN reported.
Historical Context and Ongoing Issues
The chaos at EWR is reminiscent of earlier incidents, such as the tragic Army helicopter and passenger airliner collision over the Potomac River that resulted in 67 fatalities. This incident highlighted the risks involved when air traffic controllers are overstretched, a concern echoed by CBC at the time, indicating that one controller was managing two positions during the crash.
Understaffing and Aging Infrastructure
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out that the current failings at Newark reflect long-standing challenges within the air traffic control system. During an interview, he stated, “We have really old infrastructure in America. It hasn’t been updated in the last 30-40 years.” A fried copper wire was identified as a key culprit in a temporary radar and communications outage on April 28, leaving controllers unable to communicate with flights.
As of now, while communications are reportedly functioning again, Duffy assured that fewer departures will be allowed until a reliable assessment of the system’s safety is made. This caution could affect international flights, especially from Canadian carriers like Air Canada and Porter Airlines, who have issued advisories regarding potential disruptions.
Anticipated Impact and Prolonged Delays
Reports from NJ.Com warn that delays at Newark Liberty International Airport are likely to persist. The issues at hand are multifaceted: they stem from outdated equipment, a limited number of air traffic controllers, and the ongoing closure of one of the airport’s three busy runways. The cumulative effect continues to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers.
