UPDATE: Newark Liberty International Airport is facing severe disruptions today, with delays stretching up to four and a half hours as the ongoing government shutdown wreaks havoc on air travel. This chaotic situation has resulted in 237 flight cancellations at Newark alone, ranking it as the third-worst airport in the United States for cancellations on November 9, 2024.
Images and reports flooded social media, showcasing a long line of planes on the taxiway, primarily United Airlines jets, waiting for their turn to take off. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that average delays have reached three hours and 45 minutes, leaving many passengers stranded on the tarmac for extended periods.
Social media users expressed their frustration, with one passenger tweeting, “Even if your flight isn’t canceled, good luck getting to your destination on time.” Videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) illustrated the alarming backlog of planes, prompting widespread concern about the state of air travel during this unprecedented shutdown.
The disruption stems from an ongoing staffing crisis affecting airports nationwide since the government shutdown began on October 1. Air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay, have seen their numbers dwindle, prompting the FAA to implement an emergency order mandating a 10% reduction in flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports.
Across the New York City area, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports are also feeling the impact of the shutdown, ranking fifth and eighth in cancellations, respectively. More than 2,000 flights were canceled across the country on Sunday, marking it as one of the worst travel days of the year.
In an effort to resolve the crisis, Senate leaders convened for a rare Sunday session, discussing a potential deal aimed at ending the shutdown. However, the measure still requires further debate and must pass through the House of Representatives, leaving many uncertain about when the disruptions will cease.
As the situation develops, travelers are advised to check their flight status frequently and prepare for extended delays. With the shutdown now entering its 40th day — the longest in U.S. history — the ramifications on air travel continue to unfold, affecting thousands of passengers nationwide.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to restore normalcy to air travel.
