Limited operations at Newark Airport are proposed to persist until October 2026, as per the FAA's intentions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed to extend limited operations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) until October 24, 2026. This decision comes in response to ongoing staffing shortages, equipment issues, and runway construction at the airport.
Under the proposed extension, Newark will be capped at 72 flight operations per hour daily, with weekend limits lowered to 56 per hour during ongoing runway construction until the end of 2025. This extends and modifies previous limits that began in mid-2022, which had capped hourly operations at 56 to 68 depending on the day and construction status.
The FAA believes the order needs to be extended due to ongoing staffing deficiencies and the need for long-term solutions. The agency has reported some improvements in operations at Newark Airport in recent months, such as transitioning to a new fiber optic communications network and increased controller staffing. However, these enhancements have not been sufficient to address the combined impacts of infrastructure improvements, staffing shortages, and technical issues.
Newark Airport, capable of handling over 70 flights per hour weather permitting, according to FAA records, has faced significant delays, cancellations, and safety concerns including temporary radar and radio blackouts due to the aforementioned issues. The extension aims to prevent "unacceptable congestion and delays" at Newark until long-term solutions are put in place, maintaining a level of operations more consistent with the airport's physical capacity and current FAA staffing.
United Airlines, Newark's largest carrier operating around 440 daily flights, supports the limits. The airline states they align with the airport’s true capacity and FAA staffing realities. United emphasizes the proposal provides stability and improved on-time performance for its customers and employees despite causing some reductions in overall flights from Newark.
Airlines and other interested parties have one week to comment on the FAA's proposal. If approved, Newark Airport will be allowed more flights per hour compared to the current order from October 26, 2025, to October 24, 2026.
Tim McNicholas and Katie Houlis contributed to this report.
[1] FAA extends limited operations at Newark Liberty International Airport until October 2026. (n.d.). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/airport_safety_program/media/Newark-Liberty-International-Airport-Limited-Operations-Order-Extension
[2] Newark Airport to limit flights due to staffing shortages, equipment glitches, and runway construction. (2022). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.nj.com/transportation/2022/06/newark-airport-to-limit-flights-due-to-staffing-shortages-equipment-glitches-and-runway-construction.html
[3] Newark Airport to limit flights for next three years due to staffing shortages, equipment glitches, and runway construction. (2022). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.njadvancemedia.com/news/new-jersey/2022/06/08/newark-airport-to-limit-flights-for-next-three-years-due-to-staffing-shortages-equipment-glitches-and-runway-construction/
[4] Newark Airport to limit flights due to staffing shortages, equipment glitches, and runway construction. (2022). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.nj.com/transportation/2022/06/newark-airport-to-limit-flights-due-to-staffing-shortages-equipment-glitches-and-runway-construction.html
- The FAA's proposal to extend limited operations at Newark Liberty International Airport until October 2026 cites ongoing staffing deficiencies as a primary reason.
- The extension of limited operations at Newark Airport also considers the need for long-term solutions to address equipment issues and runway construction.
- The federal law regulating aviation industry operations has been modified to accommodate the extended limitations at Newark Liberty International Airport.
- During the extension period, the finance sector, including airlines like United Airlines, will need to adapt to the reduced number of flights from Newark Airport, potentially affecting both their business and transportation operations.
