United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby announced that the carrier will be canceling 35 flights per day, around 10%, at its Newark hub due to government equipment failures and air traffic control staffing problems.
Throughout the week, United faced delays, cancellations, and diversions of numerous flights at its Newark hub near New York City, where it operates approximately 328 flights daily.
CEO Kirby explained in an email to customers that technology failures in the FAA air traffic control system led to diverted flights, delays, and cancellations, exacerbated by over 20% of FAA controllers at Newark walking off the job.
The FAA recently moved control of Newark airspace to Philadelphia to address staffing and traffic congestion issues in the New York City area.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control in Philadelphia to address the outdated technology causing disruptions at Newark.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated that the agency is investigating the interruptions at Newark and is working to ensure controllers have proper equipment and staffing levels.
Major U.S. airlines have requested an extension for minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports due to severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
The FAA waiver allows airlines to reduce flights and retain slots at congested airports due to the ongoing controller staffing shortfall.
United previously reduced flights at Newark in November due to low FAA staffing levels, impacting over 343,000 travelers. The airline had already implemented flight reductions before the recent announcement.