Newark Airport Faces System Failures, Flight Cuts Amid Staffing Shortages

Newark Liberty International Airport has faced a series of air traffic control equipment failures and staffing shortages, resulting in widespread flight delays and cancellations over the past two weeks. The airport experienced three major outages since late April, with one incident leaving controllers unable to communicate with aircraft for up to 90 seconds and prompting some staff to take trauma leave. These disruptions have been exacerbated by outdated technology—including systems still using floppy disks—and ongoing runway construction. In response, the FAA and the Trump administration have announced plans for a multi-billion dollar overhaul of the air traffic control system over the next three years, while airline executives and officials are considering scaling back Newark's flight schedule as a short-term fix. Experts warn that these problems, emblematic of nationwide aviation infrastructure issues, may persist for months, especially with the busy summer travel season approaching. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other officials stress that without rapid modernization and increased staffing, similar crises could arise at other major airports across the country.