United cuts Newark schedule after hundreds of flight disruptions, blaming FAA staffing, technology problems

United Airlines is set to cancel 35 roundtrip flights daily at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey due to air traffic controller staffing shortages and FAA technology issues, CEO Scott Kirby announced on Friday. The flight reductions make up around 10% of United’s daily schedule at the Newark hub. Over 300 flights at Newark experienced delays as of Friday afternoon, with additional delays and cancellations earlier in the week. The schedule adjustments will commence this weekend. Kirby explained that recent technology failures led to 20% of Newark’s air traffic controllers walking off the job. The FAA acknowledged that staffing problems were causing delays at Newark on Friday. United is advocating for the FAA to implement flight restrictions at Newark like those at other congested airports. Last year, the FAA relocated air traffic controllers from Newark’s airspace to Philadelphia to ease congestion. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the Philadelphia facility to address outdated technology issues. Kirby praised the Trump administration’s commitment to modernizing the air traffic control system. United attributed the disruptions to FAA technology outages, runway construction, and adverse weather conditions. Newark’s congestion has been a persistent issue, prompting United to adjust its schedule in response to delays. The Transportation Department introduced new incentives to alleviate air traffic controller shortages, which have been exacerbated by training pauses during the pandemic. United Airlines is offering fee waivers for affected customers at Newark.