Newark Liberty International Airport‘s air traffic control outages on May 9, 2025, have exposed serious problems in America’s aviation systems. These issues have caught the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal officials, raising significant concerns about U.S. air travel reliability and the ongoing air traffic controller shortage.

Flight Delays at Newark Reach Critical Levels

Newark is one of the nation’s busiest airports. Recently, its problems have reached a breaking point. Multiple outages have caused flight delays at Newark that affect the entire national system.

 

Why is this happening? Outdated technology and not enough staff are the main culprits. Air traffic controllers across the country face similar challenges. Additionally, the disruptions at Newark are symptomatic of broader systemic problems that have been developing for years throughout the national aviation infrastructure.

 

A recent plane crash near Washington, D.C., made things worse. This tragedy has increased safety concerns. As a result, more people are demanding immediate action to fix air traffic control issues.

Photo by stockcam from Getty Images Signature

Emergency Measures Fail to Resolve Crisis

Officials have tried to fix the problem. They moved air traffic controllers from Long Island to Philadelphia. However, this hasn’t solved the staffing crisis at Newark. Many control centers now operate with too few people, forcing controllers to work extra hours, resulting in tired staff and unsafe conditions.

 

The FAA plans to meet with major airlines soon. As a temporary fix, the FAA will likely restrict flights from Newark, but this will not solve the more significant issues.

Air Traffic Control Crisis Extends Nationwide

The Newark airport outages point to a larger air traffic control crisis nationwide. The root cause is decades of neglect.

 

Aviation experts highlight a disturbing fact: Many control centers use technology from the 1970s and 1980s. These outdated systems simply can’t handle today’s air traffic volume.

 

Aviation analysts point to decades of underinvestment in air traffic control technology, with many facilities still relying on outdated equipment that struggles to meet the demands of modern air traffic volumes.

 

The government has promised billions to fix the problem. This money would upgrade technology and hire more staff, and the investments aim to prevent future FAA system failures.

Photo by Aaron Hawkins from Getty Images Signature

Fixing Air Traffic Control Issues: What's Next?

The Newark problems affect more than just travelers. They impact:

  • Cargo operations
  • The New York regional economy
  • Airlines’ bottom lines
  • Consumer ticket prices

 

Furthermore, airlines worry about how long they can operate under these conditions. If the problems continue, they may need to raise prices or cut services.

 

Consumer advocacy groups emphasize the need for transparent communication and concrete action plans rather than promises without clear implementation timelines.

 

The coming weeks are expected to be critical, with the FAA’s decisions about Newark potentially setting precedents for how similar challenges at other major airports will be addressed.

 

Stay informed with the latest travel news. Sign up on OneAir for FREE and visit our travel blog for expert insights, travel tips, and industry news.

*Banner photo by sjoeman from Getty Images Signature