Chris Rocheleau, Federal Aviation Administration’s acting administrator, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held a press conference in Washington on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to discuss a new plan for the air traffic control infrastructure. The plan aims to address the ongoing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, where radar outages and a shortage of air traffic controllers have led to numerous flight delays and cancellations.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Duffy announced his intention to reduce the number of flights in and out of Newark for the “next several weeks.” He mentioned that a meeting with all airlines operating at the airport would take place to determine the extent of the reduction. The plan is expected to prioritize ensuring that passengers have a better chance of taking off as scheduled, especially during peak hours when international flights tend to make the airport busier.
The FAA reported that radar at the Philadelphia facility, responsible for directing planes at Newark airport, experienced a blackout for 90 seconds at 3:55 a.m. on Friday, similar to a previous incident on April 28. This blackout has been a contributing factor to the average of 34 daily arrival cancellations at Newark since mid-April, with delays increasing as the day progresses.
Duffy also revealed the Trump administration’s proposal for a significant overhaul of the U.S. air traffic control system, which includes the establishment of six new air traffic control centers and upgrades to technology and communications across all air traffic facilities nationwide over the next three to four years. Additionally, he plans to raise the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers from 56 to 61 and offer a 20% upfront bonus to encourage experienced controllers to remain in their roles.
Despite these efforts, Duffy acknowledged that the shortage of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers remains a significant challenge. He emphasized the importance of gradually bridging this gap by retaining older controllers while bringing in younger individuals to the profession. This approach contrasts with the broader trend of job cuts in other federal agencies under the Trump administration.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby commended Duffy for prioritizing safety over cost-cutting measures, noting that United had already adjusted its schedule at Newark in response to the current challenges. Kirby expressed confidence in the safety measures being implemented but voiced concerns about the impact on customer experience due to flight delays and cancellations.
Looking ahead, United Airlines and other carriers anticipate further reductions in flight capacity at Newark until construction on one of the airport’s runways is completed around June 15. While safety remains a top priority, airlines are working to minimize disruptions for passengers during this period of adjustment.
In conclusion, the efforts to address the air traffic control issues at Newark Liberty International Airport underscore the complexities of managing a critical transportation hub. As stakeholders collaborate on solutions to improve operations and enhance safety, the impact on passengers and airlines alike will continue to be closely monitored.
