Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aim to extend flight cuts at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport through October 2026 as the facility continues to grapple with a shortage of air traffic controllers, congestion and equipment failures. The FAA is requesting public comment on the plan, which would extend the restrictions a year longer than initially planned.
The FAA relocated Newark Airport air traffic controllers to Philadelphia in 2024, in a move intended to help address staffing shortages but has since been criticized by aviation experts. The U.S. Transportation Department’s Office of Inspector General said in July that it’s investigating the FAA’s decision.
The FAA’s latest proposal builds off a June 16 initiative that limited flights through Oct. 25 to allow no more than 68 per hour – 34 arrivals and 34 departures. Beginning Sept. 1, flights will be capped at 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour on weekends, through Dec. 31. The FAA also plans to slightly increase the number of flights per hour to 72 on weekdays – which is still below the typical 77 flights per hour at Newark Airport. If the FAA advances the order, it will take effect in late October and run through October of next year.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
