Ruth Haines
Delays at airports can be caused by a multitude of factors, both expected and unexpected. Common causes of delays include equipment failures, staffing issues, runway closures and air traffic control issues. For example, in May 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport experienced significant delays due to equipment failures, staffing shortages, and construction on one of its runways. These issues can have a cascading effect, leading to long delays for both arriving and departing flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staffing Shortages | Airlines face staffing shortages, especially pilots and ground crew. |
| Increased Air Traffic | A surge in travelers is causing record numbers at airports, leading to congestion. |
| Weather | Unpredictable weather, like storms and fog, causes significant delays. |
| Tech Glitches | Glitches in air traffic control and plane software issues are grounding flights. |
| Infrastructure Upgrades | Renovations at airports are causing delays and bottlenecks. |
| Late-Arriving Aircraft | A previous flight with the same aircraft arrived late, causing the present flight to depart late. |
| Security | Delays caused by evacuations, re-boarding due to security breaches, and inoperative screening equipment. |
| Runway Unavailability | Runway issues can cause delays, accounting for 5.96% of delays from June 2017 to May 2023. |
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What You'll Learn
Staffing shortages
The impact of staffing shortages is further exacerbated by equipment failures and system outages. In one instance, controllers' screens went dark for up to 90 seconds, resulting in a loss of aircraft tracking capability. This equipment malfunction, coupled with a shortage of air traffic controllers, has led to significant delays and cancellations at Newark Airport. Arriving flights experienced delays of up to six hours, while departures faced nearly four-hour delays.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees Newark Airport, has witnessed exceptionally high passenger volumes. The first three months of 2025 were the second busiest in the agency's history. This surge in passenger traffic, combined with staffing shortages, has contributed to increased congestion and longer wait times. The situation is not unique to Newark, as other airports across the country are facing similar challenges due to staffing issues.
To address the staffing shortages, the Philadelphia TRACON has been guiding air traffic at Newark by relocating controllers from New York. However, this has not been sufficient, and further efforts are needed to mitigate the impact on travelers. The issues at Newark Airport highlight the critical importance of adequate staffing levels in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of airports, particularly at busy international hubs.
The combination of staffing shortages, equipment malfunctions, and high passenger volumes has created a challenging situation for airports and travelers alike. It is essential for airport authorities and stakeholders to prioritize addressing these issues to minimize delays, improve on-time performance, and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers navigating through busy airports.
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Equipment failures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the role of equipment failures in causing these delays, alongside staffing issues and runway construction at Newark Airport. The relocation of air traffic controllers from New York to Philadelphia, intended to ease delays, has also faced challenges due to equipment-related issues.
In addition to direct equipment failures, indirect equipment-related issues can also contribute to delays. For example, the construction on one of Newark's runways involves upgrading lighting and signage, which are essential for safe aircraft movement and take-off. While this construction was anticipated to cause some delays, the combination of equipment failures and staffing shortages has exacerbated the situation, leading to longer-than-expected disruptions.
To mitigate the impact of equipment failures, airports, and air traffic control organizations implement backup systems and redundancy measures. However, in cases of widespread or persistent equipment malfunctions, as seemingly experienced at Newark, the resulting delays can be significant and affect a large number of passengers. Addressing equipment failures and improving the resilience of airport systems is crucial to minimizing delays and ensuring smooth travel experiences.
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Runway closures
One notable example of runway closures causing delays is the situation at Newark Airport, where construction on one of its runways led to significant disruptions. The rehabilitation work on Runway 4L-22R, the busiest at Newark for departing flights, resulted in extended delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) attributed the delays to equipment failures, staffing shortages, and the runway construction. Similar issues with equipment and staffing were also experienced at the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which manages the airspace around Newark.
The impact of runway closures on airport delays was also evident at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Temporary closures of runways at MSP due to weather, construction, and maintenance resulted in operational changes and disruptions to flight paths. To mitigate the impact on passengers and airlines, the MAC Community Relations Office proactively shares information about runway closures expected to last 30 minutes or longer.
To minimize the impact of runway closures on airport delays, effective communication, and coordination between airport authorities, airlines, and passengers are crucial. Advance notice of closures, when possible, allows airlines to adjust schedules and passengers to make alternative arrangements. Additionally, investing in technology, infrastructure upgrades, and staffing can help reduce the frequency and duration of runway closures, improving overall airport efficiency and on-time performance.
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System outages
Equipment failures can range from malfunctioning radar systems and communication networks to breakdowns in airport ground support equipment, such as baggage conveyor systems and boarding bridges. These failures can bring airport operations to a halt, impacting the timely departure and arrival of flights. In some cases, equipment failures may be due to ageing infrastructure that is prone to breakdowns or lacking the necessary upgrades to handle modern-day travel demands.
Staffing shortages further compound the challenges of system outages. Air traffic control centres, for instance, require a sufficient number of trained controllers to manage air traffic safely. When staffing levels are inadequate, the workload on existing staff increases, potentially leading to delays in clearing aircraft for takeoff and landing. Additionally, staffing shortages in areas like aircraft maintenance or security screening can slow down operations and cause bottlenecks in the overall flow of airport processes.
The impact of system outages can be far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate airport operations but also the broader aviation network. Delays at one airport can create a ripple effect, causing disruptions at connecting airports and affecting flights across the globe. This is especially true for large aviation hubs that serve as transit points for numerous international flights. System outages at these crucial nodes can have a significant knock-on effect, underlining the interconnected nature of global air travel.
To mitigate the impact of system outages, airports often implement contingency plans and backup systems. Redundancy measures, such as backup power supplies and alternative communication channels, can help maintain essential operations during unexpected failures. Additionally, proactive maintenance programmes and regular technology updates can reduce the likelihood of system outages, ensuring that equipment functions reliably and minimising potential disruptions. By investing in resilient infrastructure and efficient staffing models, airports can enhance their operational resilience and reduce the frequency and severity of delays caused by system outages.
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Air traffic control relocations
The relocation resulted in a loss of communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft, impacting hundreds of flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar connectivity and the frequencies used by air traffic controllers to manage planes experienced complete failure, overwhelming the controllers. This incident left controllers struggling to guide planes into Newark Liberty International Airport, with some flights being canceled or delayed by hours.
The staffing issues were further exacerbated by the specialized nature of the air traffic controller profession, making immediate replacements challenging. The FAA acknowledged the chronic understaffing at the Newark air traffic control facility, highlighting that the airport cannot accommodate the scheduled volume of planes without sufficient controllers. The situation was aggravated by over 20% of FAA controllers "walking off the job" at Newark Airport, as stated by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.
The outdated air traffic control system at Newark Airport also contributed to the delays. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy pledged to implement a new system, which is estimated to take three to four years. The delays at Newark Airport extended beyond a week, causing significant disruptions and impacting thousands of customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Delays at Newark Liberty International Airport have been caused by equipment failures, staffing issues, and runway closures. The Federal Aviation Administration has also attributed disruptions to construction on one of the airport's runways.
Controllers' screens went dark for up to 90 seconds, causing them to lose the ability to track aircraft.
Staffing shortages have impacted operations, with a nationwide problem of more than 90% of the country's airport towers being staffed below FAA standards. At one point, 20% of air traffic controllers in Philadelphia called out of work, citing trauma due to equipment outages and frustration with ongoing issues.
The FAA has redirected flight traffic to other runways, contributing to more congestion. The runway closures are part of a construction project that includes a new paved surface, upgraded lighting, and signage. The construction is expected to last until mid-June.
