Updated at 4 PM ET
Travelers at Newark International Airport (EWR), one of the busiest hubs on the US East Coast, are facing significant disruptions as air travel woes continue on the first workday of the week.
Current Flight Cancellations and Delays
As of 4:00 PM ET on May 5, 2025, FlightAware reported an unsettling total of 151 cancelled flights for the day, alongside approximately 300 delays. This turmoil was primarily attributed to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers coupled with ongoing runway construction.
Impact of Runway Construction
Runway construction at EWR has restricted operations to just one runway, significantly affecting flight schedules. The average departure delay stands at about 26 minutes, while arriving flights are experiencing even longer delays, averaging 3 hours and 59 minutes due to adverse weather conditions including low cloud cover.
Government Response to the Crisis
In light of the situation, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation by the inspector general. New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy expressed his discontent over social media, labeling the current delays as “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
Reports indicate that during the weekend, flights into EWR were delayed by as much as four hours, intensifying travelers’ frustrations.
Airline Advisories and Recommendations
In response to these disruptions, Porter Airlines has proactively issued warnings advising customers that flights on May 5 and 6 may face interruptions due to air traffic management issues. They recommend that passengers regularly check their flight status and inform them of possible waivers for flexible scheduling.
Meanwhile, Air Canada has also issued advisories regarding potential rain and visibility problems affecting EWR and other major airports including BOS, JFK, LGA, PHL, DCA, and IAD.
Ongoing Challenges at Newark Airport
The current challenges at EWR are not isolated incidents. Several critical factors have compounded the ongoing disruptions, leading to delays and cancellations over the past week. ABC News highlighted that United Airlines has been forced to cancel 35 round-trip flights daily to alleviate the burden on operational capacity, stating that more than 20% of FAA controllers at EWR have walked off the job.
The absence of these controllers has rendered Newark unable to manage its air traffic effectively, raising concerns about safety and efficiency. The Federal Aviation Administration has established a “flow constrained area” for Newark, a rare measure typically only implemented during peak summer traffic or severe weather events.
As Newark International Airport braces for more disruptions, both travelers and airlines remain vigilant and hopeful for a swift resolution to the ongoing issues affecting air travel in this crucial hub.
