【May 16, 2025 Epoch Times News】- A shortage of air traffic controllers, runway construction, and communication radar failures are causing more travelers, including those living near Newark, to avoid Newark Airport. Some air traffic controllers have warned that the airport is unsafe, adding to passengers’ concerns, leading them to choose to fly from John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport in the Greater New York area.
US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, changed his wife’s itinerary from Newark Airport to LaGuardia Airport. However, during a House committee meeting on Wednesday, May 14th, he stated that the change was not due to safety concerns but rather to avoid delays.
This month, a series of technical malfunctions at Newark Airport led to severe congestion, with thousands of flights delayed, dozens rerouted, and many flights canceled. The Federal Aviation Administration is working on adding a third communication line between Philadelphia (responsible for overseeing Newark airspace) and New York (responsible for handling radar data) to address the issues.
United Airlines CEO, Scott Kirby, sent emails to nearly 3.7 million passengers who recently traveled to and from Newark and loyal program members in the New York and New Jersey area, ensuring them that flights into and out of the hub are safe.
Earlier this month, United Airlines announced a cut of around 10% of flights at Newark Airport to address the shortage of air traffic control personnel.
Andrew Nocella, the Chief Commercial Officer of United Airlines, stated that the decrease in passengers passing through Newark Airport is primarily due to the reduction in flight numbers. He emphasized, “Newark Airport is very safe, and we just need to assure every passenger that flights will depart on time.”
Some airlines are allowing passengers to change travel dates or reroute to nearby airports without additional fees, and passengers have been accepting these arrangements.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, mentioned that booking agents have received numerous calls from passengers inquiring about their flights (through Newark Airport) arriving at their destinations on time. He noted that more passengers are choosing to depart from LaGuardia and Kennedy airports.
Corporate travelers, especially those needing connecting flights, are also considering how to bypass Newark.
Charlene Leiss, President of the Americas for Flight Centre Travel Group, stated, “Our clients are actively seeking to avoid layovers in Newark,” noting that call volumes from clients have increased by at least 10% since the airport’s operational disruptions began.
Stuart Blake, CFO of TravelPerk, reported that the booking share at JFK Airport for the travel management company has increased by 4% in the past few weeks, and flights at nearby smaller airports are also filling up.
As airlines continue to cut flights and runway construction completes, the situation at Newark Airport may improve. However, addressing more extensive infrastructure issues could take three to five years.
(This article referenced reports from the Financial Times)