The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to briefly slow down flight arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday due to a telecommunications issue, the agency confirmed.
The problem originated at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which caused the FAA to implement a ground stop. This was done to ensure backup systems were functioning correctly. The situation was resolved, and operations returned to normal shortly thereafter.
This issue follows a similar incident on Friday, when the Philadelphia facility experienced a 90-second radar and telecommunications outage. This was the second such issue in just two weeks, coming after a more serious outage on April 28.
The recurring problems highlight the aging infrastructure of the nation’s air traffic control system. In response, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy proposed a multi-billion-dollar investment plan to update the network over the next few years.
As part of efforts to ease congestion, the FAA moved control of Newark’s airspace to Philadelphia last year. However, the airport has faced a series of challenges, including runway construction, equipment failures, and air traffic control staffing shortages. These issues have prompted lawmakers to call for investigations and additional funding.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking in New York City, criticized the FAA’s response to the Newark disruptions. He revealed that the ground stop lasted 45 minutes, leading to delays that spread throughout the day. Schumer emphasized that outdated equipment must be modernized urgently, saying, “Fix it. Fix it now. Do whatever it takes.”
The Newark airport has faced multiple disruptions recently, with controllers taking stress leave after the April 28 outage. In response, the FAA announced plans to meet with major airlines on Wednesday to discuss possible temporary flight reductions at Newark.
Duffy addressed the situation during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” confirming that the FAA is taking steps to address the glitches. “We’re having these glitches in the system. So we slow it down and keep people safe. That’s what we do,” he said, vowing to make improvements to Newark in the near future.
To address ongoing issues, the FAA is increasing air traffic controller staffing, adding new telecommunications connections, and deploying a backup system at the Philadelphia TRACON. However, the FAA is still 3,500 controllers short of its target staffing levels.
United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark, has been particularly affected by the delays and has reduced its flight schedule. The airline has called on the FAA to impose new flight limits at Newark to help manage the disruptions.
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