Airport continues to suffer shortage of air traffic controllers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed extending limits on flight movements at Newark Liberty International Airport until October 2026 as the facility continues to face a shortage of air traffic controllers.

The agency first moved to cap arrivals and departures at Newark in the spring after the controller shortages, communication blackout and runway construction work caused a wave of flight cancellations and delays.

During runway construction, usually on Saturdays, the restrictions have been set to 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour, totaling 56 flights. At other times, there are 34 arrivals and 34 departures per hour, totaling 68 flights.

Under the FAA’s proposals, flight movements at Newark will be limited to 36 arrivals and 36 departures (72 flight movements total) per hour between Jan. 1 and Oct. 24, 2026.

Previously, Newark was handling more than 80 flights per hour at peak times. The FAA said the reduced flight movements will “continue maintaining safety while alleviating flight delays due to staffing and equipment challenges, resulting in smoother travel into and out of Newark.”

United Airlines, which operates around 70% of the flights out of Newark, welcomed the extension of the cap, saying it has reduced flight disruptions and improved operations at the airport.