Flight Reductions Announced

In a significant operational change, United Airlines has revealed plans to cancel 35 of its daily flight routes from Newark Liberty International Airport, starting this weekend. The airline’s decision comes amid challenges affecting air traffic control and staffing.

Reasons for Cancellation

United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, attributed the flight cancellations to recent departures of FAA controllers, which followed a series of technical complications that impacted radar and radio systems crucial for managing airspace. According to The Wall Street Journal, this situation mirrors events from late 2024, when several controllers opted for trauma-related leave due to similar issues.

United’s Commitment to Customers

In an effort to communicate openly with passengers, Kirby published a message on United’s website, stating, “For many years, United has been very clear and vocal about the need to fix the Air Traffic Control system in EWR. While we enthusiastically support the efforts underway to permanently and structurally fix the FAA, the long-simmering FAA challenges boiled over this week.”

Kirby elaborated that the ongoing technological issues led to over 20 percent of FAA personnel temporarily leaving their positions, exacerbating the situation. He emphasized the airline’s dedication to mitigating the impact on travelers. “It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark,” he noted, “but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.”

Impact on Newark Airport Operations

Even though 35 flight cancellations might appear minor, they represent a substantial reduction at an airport serving approximately 40,000 passengers daily. Notably, United Airlines comprises about 75 percent of Newark’s air traffic, indicating that their operational choices significantly influence the airport’s management and policies.