Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to reduce flight capacity at Newark airport

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy intends to decrease the volume of flights at Newark Liberty International Airport over the next few weeks due to radar outages and flight disruptions caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers. Duffy plans to hold a meeting with all airlines operating at Newark to determine the reduced flight schedule, with a focus on reducing flights in the afternoons when the airport is busiest. The goal is to ensure passengers can book flights with confidence and avoid lengthy delays at the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported a radar outage in Philadelphia affecting Newark airport, leading to an average of 34 arrival cancellations per day since mid-April. Delays have been increasing throughout the day, with an average duration of 85 to 137 minutes. Additionally, the Trump administration proposed a significant overhaul of the air traffic control system, including technology upgrades and the extension of the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers to address the shortage in the field.

United Airlines has already reduced its flight schedule at Newark and plans to meet with Secretary Duffy to discuss further cuts until June 15. United CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the importance of safety amid the capacity reductions, expressing concerns about customer delays and impacts.