FAA reduces flights at Newark through October to combat delays, equipment failures

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to temporarily reduce flights at Newark Liberty International Airport through late October, citing ongoing runway construction, persistent staffing shortages and outdated air traffic technology that have contributed to weeks of delays.

The interim order issued on Tuesday limits arrivals and departures to 28 per hour during weekday construction periods through June 15 and on Saturdays for the rest of the year. Outside those windows, the cap will be raised to 34 flights per hour until Oct. 25.

“Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays,” acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau said in a statement.

The FAA said the limits are designed to reduce congestion and should not affect already-booked flights. But travelers are still encouraged to check their flight status as delays remain likely, officials said.

The restrictions follow a turbulent month for Newark, where cascading issues, including radar and radio outages at the FAA’s Philadelphia air traffic control facility, have led to a surge in flight delays and cancellations. Federal officials said they’re working to install fiberoptic upgrades and build a new radar hub in Philadelphia to reduce reliance on New York’s outdated system.

The FAA said it may tweak flight limits in the coming weeks if conditions improve or worsen.