Newark Airport Chaos Traced to Air Traffic Control Outage

A critical communication and radar failure last week left air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport temporarily unable to see or speak to planes, triggering widespread delays and reigniting concerns over outdated U.S. aviation infrastructure.

According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, controllers on April 28 lost contact with aircraft entering and exiting Newark’s airspace due to a sudden equipment failure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the outage and said some controllers have since taken leave under stress-related provisions.

“Controllers were unable to see, hear, or talk to planes under their control,” the union said in a statement.

The incident, which reportedly lasted about 90 seconds, led to more than 1,500 flight delays over several days, according to FlightAware. Compounding the crisis were staff shortages, with United Airlines reporting that over 20% of FAA controllers were unavailable at the peak of the disruption.

United announced it will cut 35 daily flights from Newark, its major hub, to ease scheduling pressure.

The FAA said it is working to establish a more resilient and redundant communication system for the New York region. The issue highlights long-standing concerns, as air traffic control systems remain reliant on aging technology and chronically understaffed facilities.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pledged to unveil plans for a new national air traffic control system this week. He acknowledged the current system “is not effective” for handling today’s traffic volumes.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy urged federal officials to prioritize staffing and modernization ahead of the 2026 World Cup Finals, warning that the current pace of reform is inadequate.

Despite modernization efforts at Newark Airport by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, recent incidents underscore the urgent need for federal investment in aviation infrastructure and personnel.