Newark Airport: Delays, Cancellations, And Frustrated Passengers

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest airports in the Tri-State Area. However, it has been plagued by issues such as staffing problems, equipment failures, and weather disruptions, which have resulted in significant delays for travellers. On one occasion, an equipment problem caused a ground stop at the airport, affecting both inbound and outbound flights. Another incident involved a radar issue that resulted in major delays and left passengers frustrated. The airport is also susceptible to delays during peak travel seasons, such as the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to these challenges, car thefts in the airport's parking lots have increased significantly, causing further concerns for travellers.

Delays due to equipment issues

Delays at Newark Airport are often caused by equipment issues. In one instance, an equipment problem caused a complete halt of air traffic at the airport for hours. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also slowed flights into the airport due to equipment issues. Inbound flights have been delayed by up to 90 minutes because of equipment issues.

Equipment issues at Newark Airport have been linked to broader problems affecting multiple airports in the region. For example, an equipment outage at Tri-State Area airports caused a ground stop. Newark Airport is systematically the first airport to shut down when there are issues in the region. This is because it shares arrival and departure corridors with Philadelphia Airport.

The root cause of issues at Newark Airport has been attributed to the relocation of the airport's approach control from New York to Philadelphia. This move has resulted in a series of ATC equipment issues. Radio failure and radar outages have also been cited as causing issues.

The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center provides real-time status information on its website. This information includes details on any general arrival and departure delays, which can be caused by equipment issues or other factors.

Staffing issues

The airport has warned travellers to expect delays during the holiday season. In fact, on one of the busiest travel days before Thanksgiving, airport staffing issues and weather slowed down travel across the Tri-State Area.

The FAA has also attributed delays to equipment issues, which have caused ground stops at Newark and other Tri-State Area airports. In July 2024, the relocation of 24 air traffic controllers caused hundreds of flight delays.

Newark Airport is not the only airport affected by staffing issues. One source states that the entire northeast area is facing major issues, with EWR being the first airport to shut down when there are issues. Another source states that New York Centre is the busiest airspace in the nation and has frequent ATC staffing issues. To ensure safety, they limit the number of aircraft when faced with short staff.

Car thefts

Car theft is a significant issue in Newark, with the city consistently ranking as one of the top places in New Jersey for vehicle theft. In 2012, nearly 4,000 vehicles were stolen in Newark, a city with a population of around 277,000 people. This equates to a per capita rating of 13.7 vehicles stolen per 1,000 people.

Newark's motor vehicle theft rate has fluctuated over the years but remains high compared to the national average. In 2018, the city's motor vehicle theft rate was 713.89 per 100,000 population, a decrease from 843.22 in 2017, and 753.95 in 2016. While there has been a 9% decrease in overall citywide property crime incidents as of December 2024, theft from autos has increased by 66%.

The southeast part of the city is generally considered the safest area for car theft, while the north parts of Newark see more vehicle theft cases, with about 110 per year.

Stolen vehicles from Newark often end up in nearby cities like Irvington and Elizabeth, or they are taken to chop shops for parts or shipped overseas in containers from the port. Some end up in West Africa, Southeast Asia, or South America.

To prevent car theft, it is recommended to invest in a home security system, as most thefts occur when keys are left in the car or spare keys are accessible in homes.

Delays due to weather

In addition to snow and ice, other weather phenomena such as rain and storms can also impact flight operations. During the busy holiday travel season, a combination of airport staffing issues and inclement weather can slow down travel across the Tri-State Area, affecting not only Newark Airport but also nearby airports such as LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

It is always advisable to check the status of your flight with your airline before heading to the airport during periods of adverse weather conditions. While delays due to weather are often unavoidable, staying informed can help you manage your expectations and make alternative arrangements if necessary.

To minimise the impact of weather-related delays, travellers can take proactive measures such as allowing for extra time when travelling to the airport, ensuring they have all necessary travel documents readily available, and packing essential items in their carry-on luggage in case of unexpected delays or diversions. Being prepared and staying patient during weather-related delays can help make the travel experience more manageable.

Delays due to FAA relocation of air traffic controllers

Delays at Newark Liberty International Airport have been caused by the relocation of 24 air traffic controllers by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA required the employees to transfer from a facility on Long Island to Philadelphia, where they still handle Newark's airspace. This caused 800 delays within 2 weeks from 28 July through to 8 August 2024.

The FAA deliberately slowed arrivals into Newark to "allow for an eased-in approach" as the controllers got used to providing service from the new location. This caused delays not only on the day of the move but in the days that followed as the controllers got settled in Philadelphia. There were 181 delays on the first day, 165 on 31 July, 156 on 1 August, more than 90 on 4 and 5 August, and 132 on 8 August.

The FAA said the relocation will help with staffing and training. Billy Nolen, a former FAA acting administrator, said: "The FAA just has better capabilities in Philadelphia to get those controllers trained and up to speed." The FAA is currently short by about 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide and is actively trying to recruit more.

The controllers union fought against the relocation plan, saying it would create an even more significant staffing shortage. Colin Scoggins, a retired Boston-based controller, said that many delays can potentially cause a ripple effect:

> "All the way up and down the coast, north and south. If it starts increasing delays into that one airport, it can back up, and it will cause delays continually throughout the system."

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