Key Takeaways
• FAA capped Newark flights at 28 per hour until June 15, 2025, rising to 34 until October 25, 2025.
• United operates 70% of Newark flights, cut 35 daily round-trips, and uses bigger planes amid restrictions.
• Runway work, staffing shortages, and tech failures cause capacity drops; FAA upgrading tech and hiring controllers.
United Airlines Faces Major Setbacks at Newark Liberty International Airport
United Airlines is facing one of its toughest periods at Newark Liberty International Airport, a key hub for both domestic and international flights. In May 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) put strict limits on how many planes can land and take off at Newark, causing United to cut back on flights. These changes are not only affecting United’s business but also the travel plans of thousands of passengers who rely on this airport every day.
This situation is important for anyone interested in air travel, airport operations, or the business of airlines. Newark Liberty International Airport is a major gateway for the New York metropolitan area, and United Airlines depends on it more than any other airline. The new restrictions, combined with ongoing construction and staffing problems, have left United with very few good options to keep its network strong in the region.
Why Did the FAA Limit Flights at Newark?
The FAA’s decision to cap flights at Newark Liberty International Airport comes after a series of problems that made it hard for the airport to handle its usual number of planes. Here’s what happened:
- Runway Construction: One of Newark’s main runways, 4-Left/22-Right, is under construction until June 15, 2025. This work is necessary to keep the runway safe and up to date, but it means fewer planes can land or take off at the same time.
- Staffing Shortages: The air traffic control center that manages Newark’s flights, called the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Area C, doesn’t have enough certified controllers. The FAA wants 38 certified controllers for the Newark area, but there are only 24 right now. That’s just 63% of what’s needed.
- Technology Failures: In May 2025, Newark experienced four separate equipment failures in just three weeks. These included short outages in telecommunications and radio systems, which are critical for safe flight operations.
Because of these problems, the FAA set a maximum arrival and departure rate of 28 aircraft per hour at Newark until June 15, 2025. After that, the limit will go up slightly to 34 aircraft per hour until October 25, 2025. Normally, Newark can handle about 77 movements per hour, so these limits are a big drop.
How Is United Airlines Responding?
United Airlines is the largest carrier at Newark Liberty International Airport, operating about 70% of all flights there. This means United is hit hardest by the FAA’s restrictions. The airline has taken several steps to deal with the situation:
1. Cutting Back on Flights
United has reduced its daily flights at Newark for the summer of 2025. In early May, the airline canceled 35 round-trip flights to help ease congestion. According to United’s Vice President Jon Gooda, the airline will “operate fewer daily flights this summer compared to last year.”
2. Using Bigger Planes
To make up for fewer flights, United is using larger aircraft on some routes. This means more passengers can travel on each flight, but it doesn’t fully replace the lost capacity.
3. Gradual Rebuilding
United plans to slowly rebuild its schedule after the runway construction ends in mid-June. The airline hopes that, as conditions improve, it can add back some flights and offer more options to travelers.
4. Focusing on Reliability
Despite the challenges, United says it has kept cancellations low. The airline claims that “on 8 of the past 11 days, we canceled less than 1% of our flights out of EWR.” This focus on reliability is meant to keep passengers’ trust during a difficult period.
Why Can’t United Just Move Flights to Other Airports?
United Airlines’ situation is especially tough because it doesn’t have many good alternatives in the New York area. Here’s why:
- Heavy Reliance on Newark: Newark is United’s largest hub on the East Coast and a key part of its network, especially for flights to Europe and other international destinations.
- Limited Presence at Other Airports: In May 2025, United scheduled 19,185 flights to and from Newark, but only 1,811 flights at LaGuardia Airport and zero at JFK International Airport. This means United can’t easily shift flights to these other airports.
- Geographic Constraints: The New York metropolitan area is densely populated, and nearby airports are already crowded. There’s little room for United to expand at LaGuardia or JFK in the short term.
- Washington Dulles Hub: United is looking at strengthening its hub at Washington Dulles International Airport, but this airport is farther from New York City and can’t fully replace Newark’s role.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these factors leave United with very few options to keep its network strong in the region while dealing with the FAA’s restrictions.
What’s Causing the Problems at Newark?
The troubles at Newark Liberty International Airport come from several sources:
1. Air Traffic Control Staffing Shortages
The Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which guides planes in and out of Newark, is short-staffed. The FAA’s goal is to have 38 certified controllers, but only 24 are currently available. This shortage makes it harder to manage busy airspace safely and efficiently.
2. Technology Failures
In May 2025, Newark faced four separate equipment failures in just three weeks. These included:
– A 90-second telecommunications outage on May 9, 2025, which affected both communications and radar displays.
– Another brief telecommunications issue on May 11, 2025.
– A two-second radio frequency loss at Philadelphia TRACON Area C on May 19, 2025.
Even short outages can cause major delays and safety concerns, especially at a busy airport like Newark.
3. Ongoing Runway Construction
Daily construction on Runway 4-Left/22-Right is scheduled to continue until June 15, 2025. After that, some work will still happen on Saturdays until the end of the year. This construction limits the number of planes that can use the runway, reducing the airport’s overall capacity.
How Is the FAA Trying to Fix the Problems?
The Federal Aviation Administration is working on several solutions to address the issues at Newark:
1. Improving Technology
– The FAA is adding three new high-bandwidth telecommunications connections between the New York-based STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System) and the Philadelphia TRACON.
– Old copper telecommunications lines are being replaced with modern fiberoptic technology.
– A temporary backup system is being set up at the Philadelphia TRACON.
– A new STARS hub will be established at the Philadelphia TRACON to reduce reliance on New York’s systems.
2. Increasing Staffing
– The FAA is hiring and training more air traffic controllers. There are now 22 fully certified controllers and 21 controllers and supervisors in training at the Philadelphia TRACON area.
– Training classes for new controllers are filled through July 2026, ensuring a steady pipeline of new staff.
These steps are meant to make Newark’s operations more reliable and reduce the risk of future disruptions. For more details on the FAA’s efforts and updates on air traffic control, you can visit the FAA’s official Air Traffic Services page.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
If you’re planning to travel through Newark Liberty International Airport this summer, here’s what you can expect:
- Fewer Flight Options: All airlines, including United, will have fewer flights than last summer. This means you might have less choice when booking and could face higher prices on some routes.
- More Reliable Operations: United says that the reduced schedule and the end of runway construction in mid-June should make flights more reliable, with fewer delays and cancellations.
- Gradual Improvement: As the FAA finishes its technology upgrades and hires more controllers, operations at Newark should slowly get better. However, the flight caps will stay in place until at least October 25, 2025.
What Are the Financial and Competitive Impacts for United Airlines?
The flight reductions at Newark are expected to have a big impact on United Airlines’ finances and its position in the market:
- Higher Operating Costs: Running fewer flights at a major hub can increase costs per passenger, especially when using larger planes to try to make up for lost capacity.
- Revenue Losses: Newark is a key gateway for both domestic and international routes. Fewer flights mean less revenue from ticket sales, cargo, and other services.
- Competitive Pressure: With fewer flights, United risks losing customers to other airlines that can offer more options, especially in the busy Northeastern U.S. market.
United’s ability to manage these challenges will shape its future in one of the country’s most important air travel regions.
What Are United’s Long-Term Options?
United Airlines is exploring several strategies to deal with the ongoing challenges at Newark and in the New York area:
- Strengthening Other Hubs: United is looking at ways to grow its presence at Washington Dulles International Airport, but this airport is farther from New York and can’t fully replace Newark’s role.
- Expanding at LaGuardia and JFK: The airline is considering adding more flights at LaGuardia and possibly returning to JFK in the future. However, both airports are already crowded, and it’s hard to get more slots for takeoffs and landings.
- Working with the FAA: United is working closely with the FAA to support staffing and technology improvements at Newark, hoping these changes will allow for more flights in the future.
What Should Passengers and Stakeholders Do Now?
If you’re a traveler, airline employee, or business that depends on Newark Liberty International Airport, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Book Early: With fewer flights available, it’s a good idea to book your travel as early as possible to get the best options.
- Check for Updates: Flight schedules may change as construction ends and the FAA makes improvements. Stay in touch with your airline for the latest information.
- Be Flexible: If possible, consider flying from other airports in the region, such as LaGuardia or JFK, especially if your preferred flight from Newark is canceled or full.
- Monitor FAA Announcements: The FAA regularly updates the public on changes to airport operations and air traffic control staffing. Keeping informed can help you plan better.
Looking Ahead: Will Things Get Better?
The outlook for Newark Liberty International Airport and United Airlines is mixed. On the one hand, the end of runway construction in mid-June should help improve reliability and allow for a slight increase in flights. The FAA’s efforts to upgrade technology and hire more controllers are also positive steps.
However, the flight caps will remain in place until at least October 25, 2025, and it will take time for staffing and technology improvements to fully take effect. United Airlines will need to keep adjusting its strategy and working with the FAA to restore its full schedule at Newark.
For now, both the airline and its passengers will have to adapt to a new reality at one of the nation’s busiest airports. The coming months will be a test of United’s ability to manage through disruption and maintain its position in the competitive New York air travel market.
Key Takeaways:
– United Airlines is facing major challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport due to FAA flight caps, staffing shortages, and runway construction.
– The airline has cut back on flights, is using larger planes, and is working to rebuild its schedule as conditions improve.
– Passengers should expect fewer flight options but more reliable service as the summer progresses.
– The FAA is working to fix technology and staffing problems, but restrictions will remain until at least late October 2025.
– United’s future in the region depends on how well it can adapt and find new ways to serve its customers.
For more information on air traffic control and airport operations, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s official website. For ongoing updates and analysis, VisaVerge.com provides detailed coverage of airline and airport developments.
Learn Today
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. government agency regulating civil aviation and ensuring airport safety and air traffic control.
Runway 4-Left/22-Right → A key runway at Newark undergoing construction until June 15, limiting aircraft landings and takeoffs.
Philadelphia TRACON Area C → Air traffic control center managing Newark flights, currently understaffed with 24 certified controllers instead of 38.
Flight caps → Limits on the number of aircraft movements per hour set by the FAA to ensure safe airport operations.
Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) → A technology system used by air traffic controllers for managing flights, currently being upgraded at Philadelphia TRACON.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines faces severe flight restrictions at Newark due to FAA limits, construction, and staffing shortages, impacting schedules and passengers in summer 2025. The airline adapts with fewer flights, larger planes, and aims to restore operations as FAA addresses technology and control staffing challenges through late 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
