FAA Limits Newark Flights Amid Anticipated Summer Travel Surge

The FAA anticipates a record high volume of flights this summer, with Memorial Day weekend marking the start of the busiest travel season in 15 years. However, challenges such as runway construction at Newark Liberty International Airport have led to interim limits on flights, reducing arrivals and departures to 28 per hour until mid-June and lower capacity through October. Additionally, ongoing air traffic control staffing shortages and technological issues, especially at Philadelphia TRACON, are contributing to delays and cancellations. Airlines are also facing a 'perfect storm' of issues, including safety concerns following recent crashes, trade tensions affecting travel costs, and new security requirements like the Real ID, all of which have dampened passenger demand and forced airlines to cut routes. The FAA is addressing these problems by accelerating technological upgrades, increasing air traffic controller staffing, and creating new airspace sectors to reduce delays. Travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses and follow TSA guidelines closely to navigate the busy and potentially disrupted travel period.