FAA Slams Newark With New Flight Caps Through October

Key Takeaways

• FAA extends flight caps at Newark Liberty through October 2025 due to construction and staffing shortages.
• Flight caps reduce Newark’s hourly flights by up to 27%, affecting mainly U.S. airlines and passengers.
• United Airlines canceled 35 daily flights; delays decreased but 20% of flights still experience delays.

Executive Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially extended flight caps at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) until late October 2025, with some restrictions continuing on Saturdays through the end of the year. This policy brief examines the background, rationale, and implications of these flight caps, which were put in place due to ongoing runway construction, persistent air traffic controller shortages, and recent technical failures. The FAA’s decision affects airlines, passengers, and airport operations, aiming to reduce delays and cancellations while infrastructure upgrades are underway. This brief analyzes the current situation, explores policy options, and provides evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders, including airlines, passengers, and policymakers.

Introduction

Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸, has long struggled with congestion, delays, and operational challenges. In May 2025, the FAA announced an extension of hourly flight caps at Newark, citing a combination of runway construction, staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, and recent technical malfunctions that disrupted airport operations. These caps are intended to stabilize flight schedules, improve reliability for travelers, and allow time for critical infrastructure improvements.

The FAA’s action has significant implications for airlines—especially United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark—foreign carriers, passengers, and the broader aviation system. This policy brief provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, analyzes the impacts, and offers recommendations for managing the ongoing disruptions while supporting the long-term resilience of Newark Liberty International Airport.

Background

Chronic Congestion and Delay Propagation

Newark Liberty International Airport has historically operated near or above its maximum capacity, handling 38–39 flights per hour before the current restrictions. This high volume, combined with limited runway space, has made Newark especially vulnerable to delays and cancellations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these operational bottlenecks often have ripple effects throughout the National Airspace System, affecting flights nationwide.

Recent Technical Failures and Staffing Crisis

In late April and early May 2025, two major radar and radio outages at Newark caused significant disruptions. During these incidents, air traffic controllers temporarily lost the ability to see or communicate with planes for up to 90 seconds. Several controllers went on trauma leave, worsening an already critical staffing shortage. The outages were traced to failures in old copper communication lines, prompting the FAA to install new fiber-optic lines and software updates. However, vulnerabilities remain, and the risk of further technical failures persists until long-term fixes are completed.

Runway Construction and Infrastructure Upgrades

Ongoing runway construction at Newark has further reduced the airport’s operational capacity. The FAA is also investing in broader infrastructure upgrades, including a new radar system for the Philadelphia facility and a dedicated STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System) hub to improve redundancy and coordination. These projects are essential for the long-term stability of Newark’s operations but require temporary reductions in flight volume to ensure safety and reliability.

Analysis

Details of the FAA Flight Caps

• Until June 15, 2025: The FAA has set a cap of 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour (total 56 flights/hour) during active runway construction. This represents a 27% reduction from Newark’s typical capacity.
• June 16 – October 25, 2025: The cap increases to 34 arrivals and 34 departures per hour (total 68 flights/hour) when daily construction halts, except on Saturdays.
• Saturdays through December 2025: The cap remains at 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour due to continued Saturday-only construction.

Scope and Enforcement

• The interim order applies to U.S.-based airlines, which must reduce schedules to comply with the caps.
• Foreign carriers are exempt from mandatory reductions but are barred from adding new flights and are encouraged to voluntarily adjust schedules.
• No new flights or service launches are allowed without FAA approval.

Impact on Airlines

• United Airlines: As the largest carrier at Newark, United has already canceled 35 daily flights to comply with the caps. CEO Scott Kirby has publicly supported making Newark a “slot controlled” airport, arguing that this approach will stabilize operations.
• Other U.S. Carriers: Delta, American, JetBlue, Spirit, Alaska, and Allegiant have participated in FAA consultations and are adjusting schedules accordingly.
• Foreign Carriers: While not required to cut existing flights, foreign airlines cannot expand service during the cap period.

Impact on Passengers

• Reduced Flight Options: Passengers face fewer available flights, especially during peak periods and on Saturdays.
• Potential for Higher Fares: With reduced capacity, airlines may raise fares, particularly on high-demand routes.
• Improved Reliability: The primary benefit for travelers is improved reliability, with fewer cancellations and delays as schedules are brought in line with operational capacity. Since the caps were implemented, delays have decreased, though about 20% of flights are still delayed.

Impact on Airport Operations

• Infrastructure Upgrades: The FAA and airport authorities are installing new fiber-optic lines and a dedicated STARS hub in Philadelphia to improve system redundancy.
• Ongoing Risks: Despite these improvements, the risk of technical outages remains until all upgrades are completed, likely extending into 2026.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Step-by-Step Procedures for Airlines

1. FAA Consultation: Airlines met individually with the FAA to discuss voluntary schedule reductions.
2. Voluntary Compliance: Carriers were initially asked to adjust schedules to meet the caps.
3. Interim Order: The FAA issued an interim order setting airport-wide limits and prohibiting new flights without approval.
4. Ongoing Monitoring: The FAA will adjust caps as needed based on capacity and delay trends.

Options

Option 1: Maintain Current Flight Caps Until Construction and Upgrades Are Complete

• Pros: Ensures safety, reduces delays and cancellations, allows time for infrastructure improvements.
• Cons: Limits flight availability, may increase fares, impacts airline revenue and market share.

Option 2: Gradually Increase Caps as Construction Progresses and Staffing Improves

• Pros: Provides flexibility for airlines, allows for incremental restoration of capacity, responds to operational improvements.
• Cons: Risk of reintroducing delays if capacity is restored too quickly, may complicate scheduling for airlines and passengers.

Option 3: Implement Permanent Slot Controls at Newark

• Pros: Stabilizes operations long-term, aligns with United Airlines’ recommendations, provides predictability for airlines and passengers.
• Cons: Limits future growth, may disadvantage smaller carriers, requires complex regulatory changes.

Option 4: Prioritize Foreign Carrier Reductions for Greater Equity

• Pros: Shares the burden of capacity reductions more evenly, addresses concerns from U.S. carriers about competitive disadvantage.
• Cons: May raise diplomatic issues, could disrupt international travel and trade.

Recommendations

1. Maintain Current Caps with Regular Review

The FAA should maintain the current flight caps at Newark Liberty International Airport through October 25, 2025, as planned, with ongoing reviews based on operational data. This approach balances the need for safety and reliability with the realities of ongoing construction and staffing shortages.

2. Enhance Communication with Stakeholders

The FAA and airport authorities should provide clear, timely updates to airlines, passengers, and the public about schedule changes, construction progress, and anticipated impacts. Transparent communication will help manage expectations and reduce confusion.

3. Accelerate Infrastructure Upgrades

All available resources should be directed toward completing runway construction, installing new fiber-optic lines, and upgrading air traffic control systems. The FAA should work closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to minimize delays and ensure that technical vulnerabilities are addressed as quickly as possible.

4. Support Affected Passengers

Airlines should offer flexible rebooking, refunds, and customer support for travelers affected by flight cancellations or schedule changes. The FAA should monitor airline compliance with passenger protection regulations and provide guidance as needed.

5. Evaluate Long-Term Slot Control Policies

Given the chronic congestion at Newark, the FAA should consider a formal review of slot control policies, including the potential for permanent slot controls. This process should involve consultation with all stakeholders, including airlines, airport authorities, and passenger advocacy groups.

6. Monitor Equity in Capacity Reductions

The FAA should continue to encourage foreign carriers to voluntarily adjust schedules and monitor the competitive impacts of the current exemption from mandatory cuts. If necessary, the agency should explore policy options to ensure a fair distribution of capacity reductions among all carriers.

Evidence-Based Justification

• Delay Reduction: Since the implementation of flight caps, delays at Newark have decreased, though about 20% of flights are still delayed. This suggests that the caps are having a positive effect but that further improvements are needed.
• Airline Compliance: United Airlines and other major carriers have adjusted schedules and canceled flights to comply with the caps, demonstrating industry cooperation.
• Infrastructure Progress: The installation of new fiber-optic lines and the development of a dedicated STARS hub in Philadelphia are important steps toward resolving technical vulnerabilities, but full resolution may take months or longer.
• Passenger Impact: While travelers face fewer flight options and potentially higher fares, the improved reliability of flight schedules is a significant benefit.

Practical Guidance for Stakeholders

• Passengers: Check with your airline for the latest flight schedules and be prepared for possible changes, especially on Saturdays. Consider booking early and exploring alternative airports if flexibility is important.
• Airlines: Continue to coordinate with the FAA on schedule adjustments and communicate proactively with customers about changes and available options.
• Airport Authorities: Prioritize construction and technical upgrades, and provide regular updates to the public about progress and anticipated impacts.
• Policymakers: Monitor the effectiveness of the caps and be prepared to adjust policies as conditions evolve.

Official Resources

• FAA Newsroom: faa.gov/newsroom/statements/general-statements
• Federal Register: govinfo.gov
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: For airport-specific updates, visit the official website.
• VisaVerge.com: For ongoing analysis and updates on U.S. aviation and immigration policy.

Conclusion

The FAA’s extension of flight caps at Newark Liberty International Airport is a necessary response to a complex set of challenges, including runway construction, air traffic controller shortages, and technical failures. While the policy imposes short-term constraints on airlines and passengers, it is designed to improve reliability and safety while critical infrastructure upgrades are completed. Stakeholders should focus on clear communication, accelerated construction, and ongoing policy review to ensure that Newark emerges from this period of disruption as a more resilient and efficient airport. The FAA’s commitment to monitoring and adjusting the caps as needed will be essential to balancing operational needs with the interests of airlines, passengers, and the broader aviation system.

Summary Table: Newark Flight Caps (May–December 2025)

For the latest official updates, visit the FAA Newsroom.

Learn Today

Flight Caps → Limits set by the FAA restricting number of arrivals and departures at Newark airport per hour.
Runway Construction → Ongoing repairs and upgrades to airport runways that reduce available landing and takeoff capacity.
STARS → Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System; a radar and communication hub enhancing air traffic control safety.
Slot Controls → A regulatory system assigning specific time slots for airlines to land or take off.
Air Traffic Controllers → Personnel responsible for directing aircraft safely through controlled airspace and on runways.

This Article in a Nutshell

The FAA has extended Newark Liberty’s flight restrictions until late 2025 to reduce delays amid runway construction and staffing shortages. Caps limit flights by up to 27%, impacting U.S. carriers like United Airlines. These measures improve schedule reliability while infrastructure upgrades continue, balancing safety and operational challenges at one of America’s busiest airports.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• LaMonica McIver indictment at Delaney Hall stirs debate in Newark
• FAA extends flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport into 2025
• LaMonica McIver charged after ICE protest at Delaney Hall in Newark
• Newark Liberty International Airport warns of measles exposure in Terminal B
• Newark Liberty International Airport still relies on floppy disks