NEWARK, N.J. — Following a successful operational summer at its main East Coast hub, United Airlines is eager to announce that Newark International Airport is back in full swing.
United Airlines, the primary tenant of Newark, faced significant challenges earlier this year. In May, a combination of runway repairs and technical failures led to substantial flight delays and cancellations, impacting both operations and the airline’s reputation.
To mitigate these issues, the FAA introduced a flight cap that helped restore order to Newark’s air traffic. Additionally, an expedited runway project contributed to a markedly more efficient summer season. United Airlines executives celebrated these improvements at a recent event held at Hangar 54, highlighting the airport’s operational turnaround.
United CEO Scott Kirby referred to Newark as the airline’s “crown jewel,” proudly announcing that Newark had achieved a remarkable eight consecutive days without a ground stop. This achievement underscores a significant turnaround for the airport, which is now being recognized as being “on equal footing” with the New York area’s major international airports: JFK and LaGuardia.
Both JFK and LaGuardia face capacity controls that limit takeoff and landing operations, a situation Newark now shares, at least temporarily. The FAA has introduced capacity limits on takeoffs and landings at Newark, capping operations at 72 per hour until October 2026.
Data from masFlight indicates that United’s flights departing from Newark had better on-time performance between June 2 and August 31 compared to airlines operating out of JFK and LaGuardia. This positive trend reflects the effectiveness of the FAA’s intervention and United’s commitment to reliability.
Kirby also noted that the FAA is enhancing the staffing of air traffic control operations at Newark, alongside investments in technology infrastructure such as a fiber-optic network installed in July. These advancements will further enable United to expand its service schedule.
Looking ahead, Kirby envisions a growth in international services from Newark, stating that United is collaborating with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to secure additional gates for international flights. The airline plans to reinstate flights to Greenland for the summer season of 2026, further enhancing its Newark offerings.
Overall, Newark’s resurgence as a reliable hub for United Airlines signals a renewed commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, making it an attractive choice for travelers in the region.
