United Airlines to Cancel Daily Flights at Newark Airport
In a recent announcement, United Airlines revealed it would be canceling 35 flights each day at Newark Liberty International Airport. This decision comes in response to significant disruptions that have affected thousands of passengers, resulting in prolonged delays throughout the week.
Causes of the Flight Disruptions
According to CEO Scott Kirby, the disruptions were primarily attributed to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and ongoing technical challenges with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As observed on Friday, over 300 flights experienced delays at Newark, contributing to a total of more than 1,400 delays and cancellations earlier that week, as tracked by FlightAware.
Implications of the Flight Cuts
Kirby stated, “It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.” These cancellations will take effect starting this weekend.
The decision follows reports that approximately 20% of air traffic controllers at Newark had “walked off the job” recently, exacerbating the operational challenges faced by the airline. Kirby emphasized that the air traffic control facility at Newark has long been underfunded and understaffed, making it incapable of handling the volume of flights currently scheduled.
Federal Response and Long-Term Solutions
In light of these challenges, United Airlines is advocating for more stringent capacity controls at Newark airport from the FAA. In a discussion with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Kirby expressed support for plans to invest in the nation’s aging air traffic control infrastructure, a critical need highlighted during previous administrations.
Compensation for Affected Passengers
To mitigate the impact on travelers, United Airlines has announced that it will waive change fees and fare differences for those affected by the Newark disruptions, offering some relief amidst the ongoing difficulties.
A Broader Context
Recent FAA technology outages, alongside runway construction and adverse weather conditions, have further complicated operations at Newark, which is known to be one of the busiest airports in the United States. Additionally, the Transportation Department has proposed new incentives aimed at alleviating air traffic controller staffing shortages—issues that have been persistent, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.