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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a plan to reduce flights at Newark Liberty International Airport to address ongoing disruptions. Starting Wednesday (May 28), the FAA will limit takeoffs and landings to 28 each per hour, down from the current rate of over 40. This measure aims to improve safety and reliability amid recent challenges, including runway construction and staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages Newark's airspace.
The construction at Newark is expected to conclude by June 15, after which the flight limit will increase to 34 per hour until October 25. The decision follows a series of meetings between the FAA and airlines to find ways to minimize cancellations and delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the goal is to ensure flights operate as scheduled, reducing the inconvenience of long waits and cancellations for passengers.
The FAA is also addressing issues with Newark's aging air traffic control system, which has caused radar and communication blackouts. The agency plans to upgrade the system and increase staffing to tackle the controller shortage. According to CNN, the Philadelphia TRACON facility is currently operating with only 24 out of the 38 needed certified controllers, contributing to recent delays and safety concerns.
Veteran air traffic controller Jonathan Stewart, who supervises the Philadelphia TRACON, highlighted the intense pressure on controllers due to staffing shortages and technical outages. He expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by these challenges. The FAA has initiated a "delay reduction meeting" with major airlines to encourage them to limit flights ahead of the busy summer season. Airlines such as United, Delta, JetBlue, American, Alaska, Spirit, and Allegiant attended the meeting.
The FAA is working on implementing additional technological and logistical improvements to enhance the reliability of operations at Newark. The agency is also collaborating with telecommunication providers to install a third data line to prevent future outages. As reported by Yahoo News, the FAA aims to ensure that the air traffic control system is equipped with the best safety technology to support controllers effectively.