FAA Limits Newark Flights Amid Safety Concerns, Airlines Cut Service

Newark Liberty International Airport has faced significant operational challenges, including radar outages, staffing shortages, and runway construction, leading the FAA to impose flight caps through mid-October to ensure safety and reduce delays. United Airlines, which operates nearly 70% of Newark’s flights, has cut several flights, including those from Boston’s Logan Airport, in response to the FAA's order limiting flights to 56 per hour during peak construction periods. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and United emphasize that these measures prioritize safety, with United also communicating to passengers that flying remains safe despite delays. Nearby airports such as LaGuardia, JFK, and Philadelphia have seen some shifts in pricing, though no drastic fare increases have yet occurred, providing travelers alternative options amid Newark’s reduced flight capacity. The FAA has begun infrastructure upgrades, including replacing copper lines with fiber, but the situation remains strained as it awaits the return of air traffic controllers from trauma leave following outages. The flight reductions and operational challenges at Newark are expected to impact travel schedules through late October, with potential adjustments depending on improvements in infrastructure and staffing.