Ruth Haines
There have been recent reports of flight delays and cancellations at airports across the globe. One of the most affected airports is Newark Liberty International Airport, which has been facing compounding issues, including air traffic controller shortages, outdated technology, unfavourable weather conditions, and the closure of one of its busiest runways. These issues have led to significant disruptions, with hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled and passengers urged to plan ahead or consider alternative airports. Similar challenges are being experienced at other airports, with reports of engine issues, mid-air crashes, and control tower outages, causing concern for travellers and aviation authorities alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports facing issues | Newark Liberty International Airport |
| Reason for issues | Staffing shortages, outdated technology, bad weather, runway closure, radar and communication issues |
| Impact | Hundreds of flight delays and cancellations |
| Recommendations | Scrap connecting flights for direct flights, check airline websites for travel advisories |
| Other airport news | A California airport control tower is set to close by the end of the week, a flight from Houston to New York was evacuated due to an engine issue |
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What You'll Learn
Staff shortages
The highly skilled nature of air traffic control work makes it challenging to quickly fill vacant positions. Additionally, the job often comes with significant stress and trauma, leading to controllers taking time off to address these issues. On top of that, there is a "30% washout rate" during the training process, further prolonging the time needed to address staffing shortages.
The impact of staff shortages is exacerbated by other factors, such as aging technology, weather conditions, and runway closures. These compounding issues can severely disrupt travel plans, causing frustration and inconvenience for passengers.
To address these challenges, airports and airlines have implemented various measures. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration has taken steps to improve telecommunications connections and technology, as well as deploying backup systems. Additionally, passengers are advised to plan ahead, check for travel advisories, and consider alternative airports or direct flights to minimize the potential impact of disruptions.
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Equipment failure
One of the most concerning incidents at Newark involved a communications blackout. On April 28, air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, responsible for guiding planes in and out of Newark, lost all radar and communications with the planes. This left them unable to communicate with pilots for a period of time ranging from 30 to 90 seconds, according to different reports. Such a length of time has been described as "alarming" when it comes to air travel, and it highlights the critical importance of reliable equipment and systems in airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the issues at Newark and has taken steps to address them. These steps included improving telecommunications connections and technology and deploying a backup system. However, the FAA has also stated that this outage was not an isolated incident and that there have been "multiple recent" equipment and telecommunications outages.
To mitigate the impact of equipment failure, airports, and airlines should invest in regular maintenance and upgrades of their systems. Additionally, having backup systems in place can help ensure that operations continue smoothly even in the face of technical difficulties. Passengers can also take proactive measures, such as checking for travel advisories and considering alternative flight options if necessary.
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Runway closures
Weather events, such as storms or extreme temperatures, can damage runway pavement, making it unsafe for aircraft operations. In such cases, runways may require temporary closure for repairs or until the weather improves. Construction activities, including expansion projects or the addition of new runways, can also lead to partial or temporary runway closures. During construction, a portion of the runway may be unavailable for take-off and landing operations, affecting the direction from which aircraft can approach the airport.
Routine maintenance is another crucial aspect of runway management. Regular maintenance ensures the optimal function and safety of runways during flight operations. This includes activities such as cleaning, filling, pavement grading, crack sealing, and marking restoration. While maintenance work is ongoing, runways may be partially or fully closed to allow workers to safely complete the necessary tasks.
Safety is a top priority for airports, and runway closures are sometimes implemented to enhance safety measures. For instance, if a runway is deemed unsafe due to deterioration or debris, it will be closed off until the necessary repairs or improvements are made. Additionally, runway closures can be utilized during emergency situations, such as aircraft incidents or accidents, to allow for investigation and clearing of the area.
To effectively manage runway closures, airports employ various strategies and markings. Visual aids, such as lighted runway closure crosses or painted yellow crosses, are used to indicate temporarily closed runways. These markings are easily recognizable by pilots, ensuring they are aware of the closure and can adjust their approach or landing plans accordingly. Airports may also provide advance notice of runway closures, particularly those lasting 30 minutes or longer, to help airlines and passengers plan their operations and travel accordingly.
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Construction
One notable example is the John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, which is undertaking a massive $2 billion project to overhaul the entire airport and replace its current terminal, which was built in 1958. Nashville International Airport is also undergoing a $1.5 billion transformation, which includes expanding two concourses, upgrading baggage handling systems, and overhauling terminal roadways to enhance traffic flow.
Additionally, Pittsburgh International Airport is constructing a new landside terminal, incorporating biophilic design elements and locally sourced materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Denver International Airport is in the midst of a $1.3 billion Great Hall expansion project, which will enlarge and renovate the airport over nearly a decade.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also undergoing a $15 billion overhaul, including the construction of an Automated People Mover to connect LAX to the city's public rail system. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is investing $19 billion in a comprehensive redesign of the 97-year-old Newark Liberty International Airport, aiming to modernize terminals, improve infrastructure, and redesign the taxiway network to reduce delays.
These construction projects are driven by the demand for larger and more modern facilities, supported by funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as airlines and airport funds. While these transformations are necessary for improvement, they often result in temporary inconveniences for passengers, including construction congestion, limited parking, detours, and closures.
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Delays and cancellations
There have been recent reports of significant delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. On April 28, air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, responsible for managing air traffic in and out of Newark, experienced a communications blackout. This left controllers unable to communicate with pilots for 30 to 90 seconds, an alarming duration for air travel.
The cause of the blackout has been attributed to equipment and telecommunications outages, which have also occurred at other airports in recent days. These outages come at a time when air traffic control staffing shortages are already impacting airports across the country. According to United's CEO, Scott Kirby, the FAA is short by around 3,000 air traffic controllers, leading to delays that have affected over half a million customers in November alone at Newark Airport.
Compounding issues at Newark Airport include ageing technology, unfavourable weather conditions, and the closure of one of its busiest runways. These factors have resulted in hundreds of delayed and cancelled flights, causing significant disruptions for travellers. The Federal Aviation Administration has responded by slowing down departures and arrivals and implementing measures to improve telecommunications and deploy backup systems.
Passengers flying to or from Newark Airport are advised to plan ahead and check their airline's website for travel advisories. Considering alternative airports, such as LaGuardia in New York City, or opting for direct flights instead of connections, can help minimise the risk of delays or cancellations. It is important for passengers to be aware of their rights, such as the Transportation Department's policy that allows for a full refund if a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, provided the passenger does not accept a rebooked flight from the original airline.
While the issues at Newark have been particularly prominent, other airports have also faced challenges. For instance, a California airport control tower was expected to go dark by the end of the week, and a flight from Houston to New York was evacuated due to an engine issue. These incidents highlight the ongoing pressures and challenges faced by airports and airlines, impacting travellers' experiences and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several compounding issues, including air traffic controller staffing shortages, ageing technology, bad weather, and the closure of one of the airport's busiest runways.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been slowing down departures and arrivals and has also been improving telecommunications connections and technology and deploying a backup system.
Check your airline's website for travel advisories, which may allow you to switch to a different airport. If possible, avoid connections at Newark Airport and opt for a direct flight instead.
You can get a full refund if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, as long as you don't accept a rebooked flight from the original airline.
