Newark Airport: Delayed Flights And Their Causes

Delays at Newark Liberty International Airport have been attributed to various factors, including weather conditions, equipment outages, and increased air traffic volume. In December 2024, a mysterious equipment outage and potential chaos caused by Hurricane Milton led to a ground delay, with departing flights experiencing average delays of 15 minutes. Similarly, in February 2025, snow and ice caused arrival delays of up to one hour and 15 minutes. These delays can have a significant impact on travellers' plans and highlight the challenges faced by airports in managing unpredictable events.

Weather conditions

On February 6, 2025, a Traffic Management Program was implemented at Newark International Airport due to weather-related snow and ice conditions. This resulted in arriving flights experiencing delays of up to one hour and 15 minutes. Similarly, on October 11, 2024, the airport faced potential chaos due to Hurricane Milton. Authorities declared a "ground delay," with flights departing an average of 15 minutes late.

In addition to hurricanes and snow, other weather phenomena can also impact flight operations. These include strong winds, reduced visibility due to fog or heavy rain, and lightning activity associated with thunderstorms. Each of these conditions can pose challenges to safe take-off and landing procedures, as well as affect ground operations such as fuelling, catering, and baggage handling.

The specific impact of weather delays varies depending on the severity and duration of the conditions. In some cases, flights may be delayed by a few minutes to allow for safe spacing between aircraft. In more severe weather events, flights may be delayed by hours or even cancelled to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and ground staff.

To manage these challenges, airports like Newark Liberty International Airport work closely with air traffic control authorities and airlines to implement traffic management programs and ground delay programs. These programs help regulate the flow of air traffic, ensuring that flights can arrive and depart safely while minimising delays as much as possible.

Equipment failure

On another occasion, the FAA reported that flights arriving at Newark Airport were delayed by an average of one hour and thirty-four minutes, while departing flights faced delays of around one hour. Again, the exact equipment failure was not disclosed, and travellers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status updates.

Equipment issues can cause significant disruptions to flight operations, impacting both inbound and outbound flights. In the case of Newark Airport, equipment failures have resulted in delays of up to 90 minutes or more for arriving flights and departing flights. While equipment failures are sometimes unavoidable, proper maintenance and prompt repair or replacement of faulty equipment can help minimise the occurrence of such delays.

It is important for airports and aviation authorities to have robust procedures in place to address equipment failures and minimise their impact on flight operations. This includes having backup systems in place, regular maintenance checks, and efficient procedures to identify and resolve equipment issues. By doing so, they can help ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel while reducing the inconvenience caused by flight delays.

To prevent equipment failure-related delays, airports can implement preventive maintenance programmes, conduct regular equipment inspections, and invest in modern, reliable equipment with built-in redundancy. Additionally, having a well-trained and responsive technical support team can help identify and resolve equipment issues promptly, further reducing the likelihood and impact of delays.

Air traffic volume

On October 11, 2024, for instance, a mysterious "equipment outage" coupled with potential chaos caused by Hurricane Milton resulted in a "ground delay" at Newark Airport. The impact of the hurricane in the region led to an increased volume of air traffic, as flights arriving from affected areas sought alternative routes or landing spots, causing congestion and subsequent delays.

In this particular instance, the ground delay resulted in departing flights leaving an average of 15 minutes later than scheduled. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, such delays can have a ripple effect, potentially impacting connecting flights and causing knock-on delays throughout the day.

Additionally, during peak travel seasons, the volume of air traffic at Newark Airport can surge, leading to potential delays. This is particularly true during holiday periods, when the number of travellers increases significantly. The combination of higher passenger volume and increased flight frequency can strain airport resources and air traffic control, resulting in longer taxi times, gate hold delays, and potential airborne hold-ups.

To manage air traffic volume and minimise delays, airports implement traffic management programs. These programs help regulate the flow of aircraft by strategically spacing out arrivals and departures, ensuring that the airport operates within its capacity limits. However, during periods of exceptionally high traffic volume or unforeseen disruptions, these measures may not entirely prevent delays, and passengers are advised to check the status of their flights for real-time updates.

Ground delays

In October 2024, a ground delay was declared at Newark Airport due to a mysterious "equipment outage" and potential chaos associated with Hurricane Milton. The ground delay resulted in impacted flights departing with an average delay of 15 minutes.

It's important to note that ground delays are typically a temporary measure to manage air traffic and maintain safety during unexpected events or challenging conditions. The duration of a ground delay can vary depending on the severity of the issue, with authorities providing updates and lifting the ground delay once the situation improves.

To stay informed about ground delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, passengers are advised to check the airport's official website, utilise flight tracker tools, or contact their respective airlines for the most up-to-date information regarding their specific flights.

Taxi delays

As of the 6th of February 2025, there are some delays for flights arriving at Newark International Airport due to snow and ice, with average delays of 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are also taxi delays of 15 minutes or less.

In October 2024, flights were delayed at Newark Airport due to a mysterious "equipment outage" and possible chaos caused by Hurricane Milton. A ground delay was declared by authorities, with affected flights leaving around 15 minutes late.

A spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey clarified that flights were still arriving and departing but were spaced out, causing delays. She also mentioned that flights arriving from areas impacted by Hurricane Milton may have increased air traffic volume, contributing to the delays.

It is always recommended to check the latest airport status and delay information for Newark International Airport, as well as directly with your airline, to determine if your specific flight is affected by any taxi or other delays.

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