URGENT UPDATE: Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport are experiencing significant delays this evening as the federal government shutdown disrupts air traffic control operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enacted a “traffic management program” due to critical staffing shortages, resulting in an average delay of 1 hour and 22 minutes for arriving flights and 26 minutes for departures, according to data from FlightAware.com.
As of 7:30 p.m. Friday, Newark reported a staggering 348 total delays, with conditions expected to deteriorate further as the shutdown continues. The FAA warns that the situation is becoming increasingly untenable, as many air traffic control facilities are severely understaffed.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that more controllers have been calling in sick since the shutdown began, exacerbating the crisis. “The stress level that our controllers are under right now is unacceptable,” Duffy expressed at a news conference on Friday. He emphasized that the upcoming payday on Tuesday could worsen the situation, as controllers will receive “a big fat zero” for their paychecks, leading to heightened anxiety about financial obligations.
Duffy’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among air traffic controllers, who are voicing concerns about how to manage their bills during this prolonged shutdown.
Travelers at Newark should prepare for significant disruptions and check their flight status regularly. With delays already averaging over an hour, those flying into or out of Newark should anticipate further complications in the coming days.
As the federal shutdown drags on, the impact on air travel is becoming increasingly severe. Authorities are urging passengers to remain patient and to stay updated on the latest developments. The FAA continues to monitor the situation closely, but without a resolution to the shutdown, the outlook remains grim for travelers relying on Newark Liberty International Airport.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this urgent situation.
