^{Source: KOMO News}

United Airlines to Slash 10% of Newark Flights as Chaos Mounts

United Airlines has announced it will cut 35 roundtrip flights per day—roughly 10% of its daily operations—at Newark Liberty International Airport, citing a breakdown in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) staffing and outdated technology systems. The move follows a week of intense disruption, with over 1,700 flights delayed or canceled, stranding thousands of passengers and igniting renewed scrutiny on air traffic control systems.

Mounting Disruptions Leave Travelers Stranded

According to FlightAware, as of Friday afternoon, more than 300 flights were delayed at Newark alone—adding to over 1,400 delays and cancellations earlier in the week. Many passengers endured hours-long delays, missed connections, and in some cases, diversions to other airports. At least 21 United flights had to be rerouted.

United CEO Scott Kirby expressed frustration in a memo to customers, calling the decision to reduce the schedule "disappointing but necessary." He emphasized, "We simply can't continue operating a full schedule at an airport where the FAA cannot consistently manage air traffic safely and efficiently."

FAA Staffing and Tech Woes at the Core

Kirby revealed that approximately 20% of air traffic controllers assigned to Newark “walked off the job” in recent days—some reportedly due to frustrations with repeated technology failures that have plagued the FAA.

“This specific air traffic control facility has faced chronic understaffing for years,” Kirby wrote. “Without adequate staffing, the FAA now concedes that Newark cannot safely accommodate the current volume of air traffic in the coming weeks and months.”

The FAA, in a public advisory, confirmed that staffing shortages were impacting operations at Newark on Friday. These issues are not isolated—FAA delays and staffing constraints have hit other major hubs as well, including Atlanta and Miami.

United Calls for Structural Reform, Flight Caps

Kirby is now urging the FAA to impose formal flight restrictions at Newark, akin to those in place at other overburdened airports like LaGuardia and Washington National. He cited the need for a "structural fix" and is calling on the agency to take immediate action.

In 2023, the FAA attempted to ease congestion by relocating Newark airspace control duties to Philadelphia, but Kirby argues the change has not resolved the root causes.

Government Response and a Call for Overhaul

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the Philadelphia air traffic control center this week and acknowledged the depth of the problem. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Duffy stated, “It’s unacceptable. We’re dealing with equipment outages caused by outdated systems. We need an all-new air traffic control system.”

While neither the FAA nor the Transportation Department immediately responded to Kirby’s statements, the sentiment for reform is shared across the industry. In 2024, the Transportation Department announced incentive packages aimed at improving air traffic controller recruitment, a response to years-long shortages worsened by pandemic-era training freezes.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the union representing U.S. air traffic controllers, declined to comment.

Relief for Affected Travelers

United is offering travel waivers, allowing customers to reschedule without change fees or fare differences. These waivers apply to both domestic and international flights impacted by the Newark delays and cancellations.

Passengers are urged to check flight statuses regularly and consider alternate airports such as JFK or LaGuardia when possible.

Newark: A Hotspot for Congestion

Newark remains one of the busiest and most delay-prone airports in the U.S., especially during the summer season. The airport handles over 1,200 daily flights, with United being the dominant carrier. In recent years, United has scaled back service at Newark several times, frequently citing infrastructure limitations, runway construction, weather disruptions, and, most consistently, FAA constraints.

Industry-Wide Ripple Effects

The airline industry is closely watching how the FAA and government respond, with other carriers also voicing concern over the fragility of the national air traffic control system. Analysts warn that unless significant investment and structural change occurs, delays and disruptions could become the norm during peak travel seasons.

Final Thoughts

United's drastic move at Newark is more than just a flight cut—it's a loud signal to regulators and travelers alike that the U.S. air travel system is under unsustainable strain. As the airline industry pushes for modernization and accountability, passengers may continue to feel the turbulence of a system struggling to keep up with demand.

‍