Veteran Air Traffic Controller Advises Avoiding Newark Amid System Outages, Staffing Shortages

Veteran air traffic controller Jonathan Stewart has publicly affirmed that flying remains safe but strongly advised travelers to avoid Newark Liberty International Airport until significant improvements are made. Stewart highlighted recent operational challenges at Newark, including radar outages, outdated technology, communication failures, and critical staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which manages Newark’s air traffic. On May 4, Stewart averted a potential midair collision by manually tracking flights and applying nonradar protocols amidst fears of further communication system failures, underscoring the severe stress controllers face. In response to these issues, the FAA has reduced the number of flights at Newark to limit congestion and delays until a new runway is completed, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirming a June 15 target to open Runway 4-Left/22-Right. Both President Trump and Duffy have pledged to overhaul the FAA by improving recruitment and retention of air traffic controllers and investing in modern technology. Stewart criticized FAA management, calling for stronger leadership rather than more managers, as the Trump administration promises to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system.