Roberta Aguirre
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, but recent issues with delays, cancellations, and safety concerns have travellers worried. While some travellers are concerned about the safety of flying into and out of Newark, officials maintain that it is safe. One concern that travellers may have when considering flying out of Newark Airport is the type of identification they need to board their flight. As of May 2023, travellers need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight. New Jersey's REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses have a small star in the upper right corner, while New York's have a star inside a black circle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a REAL ID required to fly out of Newark Airport? | Yes, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of approved identification is required to fly out of Newark Airport. |
| What are the requirements for a REAL ID-compliant license? | Individuals need to provide proof of identity, proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, proof of social security number, and a current driver's license if exchanging a license from another state. |
| When did the REAL ID requirement come into effect? | The REAL ID requirement for flying out of Newark Airport came into effect in May 2023. |
| What are the alternatives to a REAL ID? | A valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification can be used instead of a REAL ID. |
| Is a REAL ID required for all U.S. airports? | No, the requirement varies by state and airport. For example, New Jersey and New York have different REAL ID designs, and the requirement may differ for other states or airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Delays and cancellations at Newark Airport
As of May 2023, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of approved identification is required to fly out of Newark Airport, New Jersey. This means that your driver's license must have a small star in the upper right corner, indicating that it meets the new federal regulations.
Now, addressing the issue of delays and cancellations at Newark Airport:
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country and has been facing significant challenges with delays and cancellations. The issues stem from a multitude of factors, including technological disruptions, staffing shortages, equipment failures, and even a runway closure. These factors have resulted in gate hold and taxi delays, as well as airborne delays for arriving and departing flights.
Software and hardware glitches have particularly affected the airport's traffic controllers, with some current and former controllers expressing concerns about the safety and convenience of flying through Newark. The transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, acknowledged the issues, citing an antiquated backup telecommunications system as one of the contributing factors.
The delays at Newark Airport have had a ripple effect on the nation's air travel system, with the FAA reporting delays at multiple U.S. airports. The average expected delay for passengers flying to Newark was estimated to be 101 minutes, primarily attributed to staffing issues.
Travelers with flexible plans might consider rebooking their flights to depart from or arrive at alternative nearby airports, such as Philadelphia or LaGuardia Airport. United Airlines, for instance, offered waivers to customers willing to make such changes to their itineraries.
While the safety concerns surrounding Newark Airport have been a cause for worry, officials have assured the public that it is safe to fly.
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REAL ID requirements for flying
As of May 2023, a REAL ID will be required to fly out of Newark Airport. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs and licenses for certain official purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must visit a local department of motor vehicles office in person and bring certain documents. These include one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of state residency, one proof of your social security number (if you have one), and a current driver's license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a small star in the upper right corner, indicating that it meets the new federal regulations. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need another form of approved identification to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility. A passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used in place of a REAL ID.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act only applies to domestic flights within the United States. For international flights, a passport or other form of acceptable identification is still required. Additionally, children under the age of 17 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
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Traffic issues and construction at Newark Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport has been facing significant traffic issues and disruptions due to a combination of factors, including air traffic control outages, runway construction, staffing shortages, and technological challenges.
Air traffic control outages have been a recurring problem, with radar screens going dark and radio communications with pilots being interrupted. These outages have resulted in ground stops, delays, and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. The issues stem from a decision made during the Trump administration to relocate air traffic control operations from Newark to a facility in Philadelphia. The plan aimed to address staffing shortages in the New York-New Jersey region, but it has instead created additional complications. Controllers in Philadelphia rely on data transmitted through telecommunications lines, which were not designed for critical radar data, leading to connection issues and outages.
Runway construction at Newark Airport has also contributed to the traffic disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented schedule modifications, reducing the number of arrivals and departures during the construction period. The renovations are expected to continue daily until June 15 and then on Saturdays through the end of the year.
Compounding the issues, Newark Airport has faced long-standing staffing shortages. The air traffic control facility that manages flights has a target of 38 certified professional controllers but currently has only 24 on staff. This shortage has further exacerbated the challenges at the airport, leading to delays and cancellations.
To address these issues, the FAA is taking several steps. They are working to accelerate technological and logistical improvements, including the installation of three new high-bandwidth telecommunications connections and the replacement of copper lines. Additionally, the FAA is actively increasing air traffic controller staffing, with ongoing training initiatives and efforts to improve the reliability of operations at the airport.
The combination of air traffic control outages, runway construction, staffing shortages, and technological challenges has created a challenging situation at Newark Liberty International Airport, leading to significant traffic disruptions and inconveniences for travellers.
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Staff shortages at Newark Airport
As of May 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport has been facing significant challenges due to staff shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported shortages that have resulted in substantial delays for passengers, with departing flights delayed by an average of 75 minutes and arrivals facing average delays of five hours. In some cases, passengers have experienced maximum delays of up to 10 hours. These delays have been attributed not only to staffing issues but also to equipment problems and construction work on one of the runways.
The issues at Newark Airport have been ongoing and are expected to worsen during the peak summer season with increased tourist traffic and flight volume. Aviation expert JP Tristani predicts that the problems will intensify, impacting all airports in the region. The FAA has been actively addressing these challenges and implementing measures to support operations and assist affected passengers.
The airport's air traffic controllers have been particularly affected by the staffing shortages. Current and former controllers have expressed concerns about the safety and convenience of flying in and out of the airport. They cite issues such as technological disruptions, radar and telecommunication outages, and increased safety risk factors. These outages have resulted in air traffic controllers losing contact with commercial flights, raising serious concerns about the airport's operations.
To address the air traffic controller staffing problems, the FAA has attempted various solutions over the years, including blocking staff transfers and offering bonuses. However, these efforts have not yielded successful results. The plan to relocate the air traffic control facility to Philadelphia has sparked controversy, with some critics attributing the recent issues to this decision.
The combination of staffing shortages, equipment failures, runway construction, and changes to air traffic control operations has created a perfect storm of challenges for Newark Airport. These factors have contributed to significant delays and cancellations, impacting thousands of passengers and causing travellers to consider alternative airports for their journeys.
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Alternative airports to Newark
There are several alternative airports to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, United States. The closest major airport is Teterboro Airport (TEB), which is 15 to 19 miles from Newark. Teterboro Airport offers domestic flights from Teterboro, New Jersey. Another major airport close to Newark is Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU), situated 19 miles from Newark. This airport operates domestic flights from Morristown, New Jersey.
Other nearby airports include LaGuardia Airport (LGA), 29 to 33 miles from Newark, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), 36 to 39 miles away. Both of these airports serve New York, offering international and domestic flights.
If you're open to a longer journey, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is an option, situated 94 to 96 miles from Newark. This airport serves Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For an even more distant alternative, consider Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey, which is 109 to 112 miles from Newark.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of approved identification to board a flight from Newark Airport.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license in New Jersey has a small star in the upper right corner. In New York, the star is inside a black circle, also in the upper right corner.
You can get a REAL ID-compliant license at your local department of motor vehicles office.
You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, legal presence, state residency, and social security number (if you have one).
No, you can use a valid passport or another federally approved form of identification to fly within the US.
