United CEO announces major changes at Newark Liberty International Airport

Key Takeaways

• United cancels 35 daily Newark flights due to FAA staffing and repeated technology failures.
• Over 156,000 passengers faced delays or cancellations from six control system failures since December.
• United CEO urges return to slot control, limiting Newark to 77 flights per hour for safety.

The recent crisis at Newark Liberty International Airport has brought national attention to the challenges faced by the air traffic control system in the United States 🇺🇸. United CEO Scott Kirby has taken the unusual step of publicly addressing the problems, pointing to a mix of technology failures, staff shortages, and scheduling missteps. The strained system has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights, with thousands of people stranded, and it has exposed deep issues in how air traffic is managed at one of the country’s busiest airports.

What Happened at Newark Liberty International Airport?

In the past week, Newark Liberty International Airport has faced a meltdown that disrupted the travel plans of more than 156,000 passengers. On top of widespread delays, the crisis forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, leaving travelers stuck and causing confusion for both workers and passengers. As explained by United CEO Scott Kirby, “on more than one occasion, technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on to manage the airplanes coming in and out of Newark airport failed.” One blackout left controllers unable to track flights for as long as 90 seconds, even as commercial jets approached the airport.

This technological breakdown isn’t an isolated event. It’s the sixth such failure at Newark since December, pointing to problems with the airport’s infrastructure and the tools staff use every day. Technology in the air traffic control system is meant to keep everyone safe and operations on time, so these failures create both real risks and clear frustration.

United CEO’s Breakdown of Main Problems

Scott Kirby’s public statement outlines four main reasons for the chaos at Newark Liberty International Airport:

1. Technology Failures: The repeated breakdowns in vital systems have left air traffic controllers unable to communicate or track airplanes, even for short periods. One incident left controllers literally in the dark for 90 seconds—a lifetime in aviation terms. Kirby points out that these outages happen more than they should, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the current air traffic control system at Newark.

2. Staffing Shortages: Even before the technical breakdowns, United CEO Kirby said the airport’s air traffic control facility was “chronically understaffed for years.” The crisis became even worse when “over 20% of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job.” When so many workers aren’t available, the few remaining are stretched thin, which increases pressure, stress, and the chance for mistakes. Staffing shortages have been a common theme at many airports, but Newark seems especially hard hit.

3. Scheduling Problems: In direct language, Kirby said, “In ideal weather, with full staffing and with perfectly functioning technology, the FAA tells us that the airport can only handle 77 flights per hour. And yet, the FAA regularly approves schedules of 80 plus flights per hour almost every day between 3 and 8:00 p.m. This math doesn’t work.” By allowing more flights than the system can actually support, the FAA has almost set up the airport for failure, especially when something goes wrong—like a technology meltdown or a sudden staff shortage.

4. Infrastructure Changes: Newark Liberty International Airport is in the middle of major runway construction. Any construction adds complications, forces flight path changes, and leaves less room for error. While these projects will hopefully make the airport better in the long run, for now, they add to the chaos and make it harder for airlines and the air traffic control system to keep up.

The Human Cost: Delays, Cancellations, and Stranded Travelers

The combined effect of these problems has been hard on travelers. More than 156,000 passengers have faced delays, and thousands have dealt with canceled flights since the computer outage began. These numbers are more than just statistics—they represent missed vacations, delayed family reunions, and work obligations thrown into chaos. Newark Liberty International Airport is a vital hub for the region and an important connecting point for travelers across the country and from overseas.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the crisis not only raises questions about scheduling and staffing but also has a real impact on the day-to-day experiences of those who depend on safe and reliable air transport.

United’s Response: Cutting Flights and Helping Passengers

Faced with a situation that seemed to only get worse, United Airlines made some tough decisions. Here’s how they responded:

• Flight Cancellations: United announced the cancellation of 35 daily flights at Newark. While not a choice the airline wanted to make, Scott Kirby explained, “It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, 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.” Cutting flights can ease the pressure on the limited number of air traffic controllers and outdated technology, making each flight safer and less likely to run into delays.

• Waiving Change Fees: Understanding that travelers are already under a lot of stress, United removed some fees for people affected by the crisis. Passengers with travel plans to or from Newark through May 17, 2025 can take advantage of a “flexibility” waiver, which allows them to reschedule flights without paying extra, as long as they bought their tickets before May 4. For passengers, this policy gives a bit of relief and allows them to adjust plans without extra costs.

• Reassurances on Safety: Despite the many challenges, Kirby told United’s team that “all the flights in and out of Newark airport are absolutely safe” because of the strict requirements set by the FAA. With public anxiety running high, these reassurances matter and aim to keep trust between travelers, airlines, and staff.

Calls for Long-Term Solutions

Scott Kirby didn’t just stop at responding to the present situation—he’s also demanding bigger changes for the future. His ideas are clear, and he’s urged government officials to step in.

1. Return to Slot Control: Kirby wants Newark returned to what’s called a “level three slot controlled airport.” In simple terms, this model limits the number of takeoffs and landings to what the airport can safely handle—in Newark’s case, 77 flights per hour. By not exceeding this number, the system can run more smoothly, even if there are temporary hiccups or drops in staffing.

2. Flight Restrictions During Construction: He’s also called for a drop in scheduled flights to just 48 per hour while the runway construction is ongoing. This is a dramatic reduction from the 80 or more that sometimes take place each afternoon and evening. According to Kirby, this step is necessary to avoid further problems and keep both passengers and staff safe.

What Is the FAA Doing About the Crisis?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees airport operations and the air traffic control system, has announced plans to address the issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. Some of these efforts include:

• More Staff: The FAA says it will boost staffing levels at Newark, aiming to close the gap created by years of shortages.
• System Upgrades: As part of a bigger push to improve the air traffic control system, the FAA is adding three new high-speed telecommunications connections, rolling out temporary backup systems, and updating old copper wiring to stronger and faster fiber-optic cables.
• No Timeline Yet: While these are promising steps, the FAA hasn’t put out a specific timeline for when the upgrades will be done or when staffing will return to safe levels.

For readers wanting more details or updates on official plans, information is available on the FAA’s official page about New York-area airspace.

Why Does This Matter? — Broader Impacts

The problems at Newark Liberty International Airport are not unique—airports across the country are seeing similar strains on their air traffic control systems. But the scale of Newark’s crisis, made worse by its central role in the United States 🇺🇸 air network, has forced airlines, regulators, and government leaders to pay closer attention.

For immigrants, the stakes are even higher. Newark Liberty International Airport is a major entry and exit point for people coming to live, work, or study in the country. When the airport doesn’t function smoothly, visa holders and new arrivals may miss interviews, have travel documents expire, or be separated from family for longer than planned. Employers who sponsor international workers risk delayed projects, while universities that welcome students from overseas may see fewer students arriving on time.

Different Views and Debate Over Solutions

Not everyone agrees on how best to fix the problems revealed at Newark Liberty International Airport. Some airline leaders say that strict slot controls and big cuts in flights may hurt the airport’s ability to serve the region and could push up prices for travelers. Others believe that safety and reliability must come first—even if it means making tough choices now that lead to more stable and predictable travel in the future.

There are also questions about funding for updates to the air traffic control system, and whether new private technology companies should be brought in to speed up repairs and upgrades. Workers’ groups point to the need for better pay, training, and support to avoid future staffing crises. All of these issues are likely to shape debates in Congress and among transportation leaders for years to come.

Looking Ahead—What Should Travelers Expect?

With no quick fix in sight, travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport in coming months should plan for possible delays and may need to remain flexible with their schedules. Checking with airlines before travel and making use of change waivers—like those offered by United—can save both time and stress.

It’s also possible that other airports may experience similar problems, as aging technology and staff shortages put pressure on the whole air travel system. United CEO Scott Kirby’s push for honest talk about these issues, and his direct requests for slot controls and improved infrastructure, could set the tone for how the industry and government respond going forward.

Conclusion

The recent meltdown at Newark Liberty International Airport shows how a few weak points—like old technology, understaffed control towers, and risky scheduling practices—can come together and create major disruptions that impact thousands of people. United CEO Scott Kirby’s actions, including reducing flights, waiving change fees, and pushing for slot control, show both care for travelers and pressure on government to deliver real fixes.

As the FAA works to improve the air traffic control system, passengers, immigrants, employers, and the local community all wait for signs of steady improvement. For more up-to-date information and guidance, both the FAA’s site and trusted resources like VisaVerge.com remain crucial sources to watch.

If you’re a traveler, immigrant, or business depending on Newark Liberty International Airport, staying informed and preparing for possible delays is your best strategy in the short term. In the long run, the hope is that lessons learned from this crisis will lead to a safer, more reliable air travel system for everyone.

Learn Today

FAA → The Federal Aviation Administration, a U.S. government agency overseeing civil aviation and the air traffic control system.
Slot Control → A regulation system limiting the number of takeoffs and landings at an airport during specific time periods.
Runway Construction → Ongoing projects at airports involving building or repairing runways, which can disrupt normal operations and reduce capacity.
Flexibility Waiver → A temporary policy from airlines allowing travelers to reschedule flights without penalty fees due to extraordinary circumstances.
Air Traffic Controller → A professional who manages the safe and orderly flow of aircraft within controlled airspace, especially around airports.

This Article in a Nutshell

Newark Liberty International Airport is facing a severe air traffic crisis. United Airlines’ CEO highlights safety risks caused by technology failures, chronic staff shortages, and over-scheduling. United has cut 35 daily flights and waived change fees, pushing for government action and permanent solutions to ensure safer, more reliable air travel for everyone.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Newark Liberty International Airport controllers lose contact with planes
• US Slashes Newark Liberty International Airport Flights Now
• Newark airport faces major delays after air traffic control outage
• Newark Airport delays intensify as FAA weighs air traffic controller fixes
• Governor Murphy seeks federal help as Newark Liberty International Airport delays grow