United Airlines preemptively canceled 35 daily roundtrips, blaming outdated FAA technology and chronic staffing shortages|Lars Plougmann|CC BY-SA 2.0
Flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) continued Sunday, marking the seventh consecutive day of disruption amid growing aviation safety concerns.
By morning, 210 flights were delayed and 88 canceled, according to FlightAware. Some delays stretched nearly four hours after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a Ground Delay Program.
United Airlines preemptively canceled 35 daily roundtrips, blaming outdated FAA technology and chronic staffing shortages. It is particularly struggling due to the situation.
CEO Scott Kirby stated that over 20% of air traffic controllers for EWR had walked off the job. One controller even warned that flying from Newark “is not safe.”
The FAA attributes the delays to a shortage of air traffic controllers. In response, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to hire 2,000 new controllers this year, with incentives including a 30% pay increase and bonuses.
Meanwhile, travelers face continued disruptions. Many report mounting frustration and anxiety as no quick solution appears in sight.