FAA Extends Flight Reductions at Newark Airport Until October 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it will maintain flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport until October 2026. This decision aims to alleviate pressure on this terminal, a key hub for air traffic on the East Coast, which has been affected by staffing issues and technical limitations in air traffic control.
Limit on Operations: An Adjustment with Immediate Impact
Starting next month, the limit on operations per hour will increase slightly to 72 flights, up from the current 68. Although this represents an improvement, the figure remains below the airport’s usual capacity. Before restrictions were imposed, Newark regularly exceeded 80 takeoffs and landings per hour, according to United Airlines.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The FAA emphasized that the main challenge is concentrated at the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which is responsible for guiding air traffic entering and leaving northern New Jersey. The agency warned that without the current measures, there would be a risk of “significant delays and operational disruptions.”
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In its statement, the regulator noted that the initial intervention took place in May, following a series of technological failures and a shortage of air traffic controllers that triggered a spike in cancellations and delays at Newark.
Industry Reactions
The decision was well received by the industry. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, stated that the airport “is operating better than ever and at a level comparable to the other major airports in the New York area” thanks to the flight limitations.
For its part, the FAA highlighted that during the analysis process it received “constructive feedback from the airport operator and the airlines,” which supported the extension of the limits as a strategy to mitigate congestion.
A Key Hub on the International Map
Newark Liberty is one of the most important international hubs for United Airlines and an essential component within the New York area’s air network. With the extension of the restrictions, the terminal will maintain a more stable balance between its high demand and air traffic management capacity.
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