Severe Storm Traps Thousands on Newark Airport Tarmacs Up To Eight Hours

Severe weather, including torrential rain and flash flooding, caused significant disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and extensive tarmac delays of up to eight hours for thousands of passengers. Travelers on United Airlines flights reported limited access to food and water while stranded on planes, with some passengers expressing frustration over the decision to move aircraft away from gates despite approaching storms. The delays exacerbated Newark's longstanding issues with air traffic control shortages and a poor reputation for operational reliability, as highlighted by recent reports naming it the worst airport in the U.S. United Airlines attributed the disruptions to severe weather and implemented a ground stop to manage congestion, also offering weather waivers to affected customers. Despite legal limits on tarmac delays in the U.S., exceptions exist for safety concerns such as lightning, which likely justified the prolonged on-board waits. The incident came days after United Airlines had touted improved on-time performance at Newark, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing airport operations amid extreme weather.