Newark Airport Delays Linked to Air Traffic Control Changes – Everything You Need to Know Now

Published on August 1, 2025

New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), among the busiest in the United States, has seen a surge in delays and cancellations lately. The Newark Airport delays and cancellations have left travelers and aviation insiders speculating about the reasons for this explosion in operational problems. Of course, one of the major contributor to these delays is marked as a serious drop in the operations of the air traffic control.

The Relocation of Air Traffic Control to Philadelphia

June 2024 was the first stage of the controversial transfer of air traffic control from the New York TRACON to the Philadelphia TRACON for Newark airspace. It was announced as a result of staffing issues and the antiquated nature of the New York TRACON. The idea was to reduce congestion in New York City’s airspace and transportation operations overall. But what was meant to increase efficiency has actually caused a great deal of heartache.

Operational Issues and Their Impact

Newark has, in fact, had all sorts of operation problems since the changeover. It is notable that there have been radio/out and blackouts lasting in some cases several minutes. In May 2025 a significant 90-second loss of coverage left four planes un-monitored for a time, causing serious concerns about the security of air traffic. The incidents have put the air traffic controllers under tremendous pressure, leading to some of the controllers being put on leave because they can’t take it anymore.

Such disruptions have not only hobbled air traffic control operations but have caused ripple effects and delays for passengers. Fewer on-time arrivals and departures, a rise in canceled flights, flights being rerouted and long waits at security checkpoints are all more common at Newark than they were prior to the move.

Government Action and Investigations

FAA is quickly responding to the latest ungrounding by beginning an audit of the accounting for the repeated destruction of air cargo control by transferring of oversight. The audit will focus on whether the move has adversely affected staffing, training and the overall resilience of the air traffic control system. Along with the audit, the FAA has also cut back on the volume of flights at Newark and extended temporary flight restrictions at airports in the New York area to 2026.

Congress has also intervened, providing $12.5 billion to hire more air traffic controllers and upgrade the air traffic control system. It is hoped that these efforts will result in an increase of operational effectiveness – but, change will not come overnight, so passengers may still face delays as these items are put into place.

The Role of Outdated Technology

Former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt is one of the most vocal critics of the current situation. Babbitt has complained publicly that the technology being used by air traffic controllers is too outdated, saying that it is based on World War II technology. Many aviation experts agree with such a sentiment, that updating the antiquated air traffic control systems is necessary to ensure ability to fly safely and efficiently.

Future Outlook and Traveler Advice

They will continue to monitor the situation at Newark Liberty International Airport and its operation will be uneven for the near-term. Travelers making plans to fly out of Newark should keep a lookout for potential delays and cancellations. Regularly monitoring the status of flights and arriving at the airport well ahead of time will reduce the chances of being affected.

The future of Newark and other New York-area airports long term is a bit rosier, as there are continued investments in bolstering both staffing and technology. But it’s still long way from those policy prescription getting materialized.

Conclusion

Those delays at Newark Liberty International Airport are a perfect illustration of the complications and importance of air traffic systems in smooth travel. Hopefully, as the FAA and other Government bodies work to solve the core problems, their continued efforts will eventually ensure an even more efficient and safer flying experience for the rest of us. In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and patient as these improvements are incorporated.