Passengers traveling through Newark International Airport (EWR) are being urged to prepare for extensive delays and flight changes, as the New Jersey-based airport grapples with widespread operational disruptions. The airport, which is a major hub serving the New York City metropolitan area, has been facing a surge of flight delays and cancellations over the past week, and there is no immediate relief in sight.
A significant contributing factor to the ongoing chaos is the walkout of more than 20 percent of the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic controllers. This staffing crisis has seriously hampered the airport’s ability to manage its normal flight load. With such a reduction in personnel, EWR is struggling to maintain operations at typical levels, causing a domino effect of delays and flight cancellations. Over the weekend, the situation was further exacerbated by both air traffic control outages and severe thunderstorms, compounding an already strained system.
Adding to the complications, ongoing construction has forced the airport to operate with just one active runway. This limitation has intensified the bottleneck in flight traffic, making it increasingly difficult to adhere to flight schedules and maintain punctuality.
According to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Newark International Airport ranked as the 14th busiest airport in the United States in 2024. The airport’s high volume of flights means any disruption has a significant ripple effect, impacting thousands of travelers daily.
United Airlines, which maintains a major hub at Newark, responded to the turmoil on May 2 by announcing it would cancel 35 daily round-trip flights. This reduction accounts for roughly 10 percent of United’s total flights departing from EWR. The airline said the move is intended to mitigate further disruption and ensure a smoother travel experience for its customers.
In a message published on United’s website, CEO Scott Kirby expressed his disappointment but emphasized the necessity of the decision. “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,” Kirby wrote. He also pointed to longstanding concerns that the airline has raised with the federal government. “United has been urging the US government for years to use its authority to effectively limit the number of flights to what the airport can realistically handle. Past failure to make those changes had led to the circumstances that United and, most importantly, our customers now face.”
Given the unpredictable and evolving situation, travelers with plans involving EWR are advised to closely monitor travel alerts. These updates can be found on both the airport’s official website and through individual airlines. While advisories may change from day to day, the prevailing advice remains the same—prepare for delays and cancellations throughout the current week.
For those seeking alternatives, shifting travel plans to nearby airports may offer a safer and more reliable option. One federal air safety employee, speaking to MSNBC correspondent Tom Costello, raised serious concerns about the current conditions at EWR. “It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public,” the employee reportedly stated. Costello relayed the chilling remark on air, adding: “Really an incredible statement, unsolicited. He just said that to me, and separately: ‘Don’t fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs.’”
Efforts to get a statement from the FAA regarding the ongoing issues were unsuccessful, as Travel + Leisure reported that their request for comment had not been returned at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, labor representatives have echoed the call for action. Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), emphasized the need for modernization and equitable cooperation among carriers. “NATCA, the air traffic controllers’ union, has warned for decades that infrastructure must be rebuilt and modernized,” she said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Nelson went on to advocate for a collective response from airlines operating at EWR. “We call on all airlines operating out of Newark to cut planned flights at an equal percentage across airlines in order to support this work, aviation safety, and our jobs. Working together we can solve the problem faster and keep everyone safe.”
The developments at Newark reflect broader issues in the U.S. aviation system, where staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and weather-related disruptions can combine to severely impact the travel experience. The current situation is a stark reminder of the fragility of air travel networks and the importance of proactive planning and investment in aviation infrastructure.
As the week progresses, travelers are strongly encouraged to stay updated, remain flexible with their plans, and consider rebooking flights from other regional airports to avoid further delays and stress. The severity of the situation at Newark has drawn attention not only from industry professionals but also from federal workers concerned about safety. With major players like United Airlines already scaling back operations, and with union leaders calling for broader cooperation, the hope is that these disruptions will prompt long-overdue reforms and improvements at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
Until then, passengers flying through Newark should brace themselves for continued complications, and prioritize safety, flexibility, and preparedness in their travel decisions.