In the early start of May 2025, Newark International Airport started to experience short-staffing problems. This caused delays and cancellations of flights, starting to make passengers and flyers very angry and stressful. Newark Liberty International Airport has been experiencing disruptions due to a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers. This is a very big problem, meaning that only one take off lane is currently available for the aircrafts!
The job of an air traffic controller is intensely stressful, and the long hours can lead to burnout and mental health leave. It can get very complicated especially with so many airplanes in the air at once. If you mess up one little thing, an airplane can crash into another one, which can cause a lot of stress to the air traffic controllers because the whole flight path is in their hands. This shortage is not unique to Newark but is a nationwide issue, with many air traffic control facilities operating below recommended staffing levels.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby states, “This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, it’s now clear — and the FAA tells us — that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.” He also stated, “It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.”
This is causing lots of passengers to become angry due to delays and cancellations of flights. An air traffic controller at Newark states, “We’re overstretched, we’re understaffed, we’re all stressed out. Our equipment doesn’t work,” the controller said. “It’s just not sustainable.” Airlines, including United Airlines, have been forced to cut flights due to the staffing shortages, according to United Airlines.
Although there are staffing shortages, it’s also due to aging equipment, causing them to break down, and creating even more chaos. The TRACON is also dealing with outdated equipment, including unreliable technology and communication systems. Planning to install new telecommunications connections, replace copper lines, and improve backup systems is a huge undertaking.
To become an air traffic controller, it takes a lot of time and training, another reason why people don’t want the job. Being an air traffic controller is no walk in the park. Workers describe long working hours to fill scheduling gaps, unaddressed mental-health concerns, and unpredictable shift patterns.