In response to the increasingly severe flight delays and overcrowding issues, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States recently announced that it will continue to limit the number of takeoffs and landings at Newark Liberty International Airport. This measure will be in effect until the end of the year, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and improve passenger experience.
According to the official order that took effect on Friday, from September 1 to October 25, the number of flights taking off and landing per hour will be limited to 34 during weekdays, and to 28 during weekends (from September 1 to December 31).
As one of the major aviation hubs in the Northeastern United States, Newark Airport has recently faced challenges such as shortage of air traffic controllers, infrastructure construction, communication issues, and aging technology, leading to a significant increase in operational pressure.
The FAA stated that this restriction measure, while ensuring flight safety, helps alleviate flight delays caused by manpower and equipment issues. The measure has shown initial effectiveness during the recent Memorial Day weekend, with smooth airport flight operations indicating an improvement in travel quality.
Furthermore, one of Newark Airport’s busiest runways, “4L/22R,” has been closed for maintenance since mid-April this year, significantly limiting takeoff and landing capacity. To ensure operational order and safety, the airport’s takeoff and landing capacity was restricted to 28 flights per hour during the maintenance period.
The project was initially scheduled to be completed by mid-June, but the progress has been smooth, and the runway was restored for use ahead of schedule on June 2. The FAA pointed out that this action helps further alleviate congestion caused by construction, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA both stated that they will continue to collaborate with the airport and the aviation industry, dedicating efforts to enhance the safety, efficiency, and service quality of Newark Airport to ensure its key role as a regional aviation hub can be effectively fulfilled.