(NEWARK) United Airlines is backing the Federal Aviation Administration’s move to keep flight caps at Newark Liberty International Airport in place through October 2026, saying the limits make operations safer and more reliable during controller shortages and ongoing upgrades.
The FAA is holding Newark at 72 flights per hour outside construction windows. United says this approach lowers delays now while the system is strengthened for later growth.
What the FAA decided and when
- The FAA announced in early August 2025 that it would extend Newark’s hourly limit to 72 (36 arrivals, 36 departures) through Winter 2025 and Summer 2026.
- During runway and taxiway work on weekends from September 1 to December 31, 2025, the cap drops to 56 per hour (28 arrivals, 28 departures).
- For the period leading up to October 25, 2025, the limit is 68 per hour (34 arrivals, 34 departures).
- A final FAA order was issued in June 2025 after airline consultations and a public comment phase. The FAA is also seeking new public feedback on the extension through October 2026.
You can read official FAA statements and orders on Newark operations at the FAA’s newsroom: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-statements-newark-liberty-international-airport
United Airlines’ view
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby praised the extension, saying Newark operations are “the best they’ve ever been.” He tied better on-time performance directly to the FAA’s actions.
In an internal memo, United called the decision “good news for our customers” and for the airline’s nearly 15,000 Newark employees, because the hourly cap matches the airport’s current staffing and infrastructure limits.
United is Newark’s largest carrier. It has pushed to align schedules with real-world capacity, even though this means fewer total flights and a smaller New York City market share for now. United has publicly thanked Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bedford for keeping safety and reliability first.
Why Newark needs caps
The cap is meant to ease chronic congestion and lessen the strain on air traffic control. Newark’s airspace is managed largely by Philadelphia TRACON, which still faces a tight staffing picture.
- In 2025, Area C at Philadelphia TRACON had 22 fully certified controllers, 5 supervisors, and 22 in training.
- The FAA plans to hire 2,000 controllers nationwide in 2025 to address a shortfall of about 3,500.
Newark also contends with construction, technology transitions, and complex traffic flows across the New York region. The FAA says these pressure points triggered heavy delays in early 2025, which led to the first round of caps in May 2025.
Capacity timeline:
– Pre-2025: Newark handled over 80 flights per hour.
– May 2025: Capacity reduced to 68 per hour.
– Summer 2025: Adjusted to 72 per hour.
The FAA points to stronger results during peak periods, like Memorial Day 2025, as evidence that the policy is working.
How the cap works day to day
- Airlines, including United Airlines, must schedule within the FAA’s hourly limits.
- The FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation track punctuality, cancellations, and congestion.
- Schedules are adjusted for special periods, such as the lower weekend cap during fall 2025 construction.
- The structure is flexible enough to be revisited as upgrades and staffing improve.
Upgrades supporting long-term stability
Several technology and infrastructure projects aim to make Newark more resilient:
- Fiber optic network: The FAA completed a shift to a new fiber optic system linking New York and Philadelphia TRACON, with three new high-bandwidth connections and a temporary backup path to add redundancy.
- STARS automation: Philadelphia TRACON now runs independently from New York’s STARS hub, reducing shared points of failure.
- Airport modernization: Newark’s $5 billion upgrade program is slated to complete in 2026–2027. Once done, these changes should support more capacity and smoother operations.
What it means for people who fly
For many travelers — especially those visiting family abroad or arriving to start school or new jobs — fewer delays matter more than a packed schedule. The cap can help:
- Improve on-time arrivals and departures.
- Cut the chance of rolling cancellations during storms or peak holidays.
- Make missed connections less frequent across the network.
Trade-offs to expect:
– Fewer flights may mean fewer seats on certain routes.
– Some fares could rise on busy days.
– Certain regional routes may see cuts or shift to other airports.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the policy has boosted reliability but also tightened seat supply, which can push prices up during peak travel windows.
Effects on airlines and investors
- United Airlines: Keeps its lead position at Newark but must run fewer daily flights. United has estimated about $200 million in annual losses tied to cutting 35 Newark roundtrips, including knock-on effects for regional partners. Still, United says the trade-off is worth it to keep operations stable.
- Other airlines: Carriers like Delta may watch for openings to add share in New York while United’s Newark schedules stay capped.
- Investors: Near-term airport revenue could be softer, but long-term gains are expected as modernization projects wrap and higher capacity slowly returns.
Community and workforce angles
For the nearly 15,000 United employees at Newark — ramp crews, gate agents, mechanics, and more — steadier operations reduce stress and overtime spikes tied to mass delays.
For immigrants and international students flying through Newark to the United States 🇺🇸, more reliable schedules can mean fewer missed appointments, rescheduled classes, or lost workdays after arrival.
Key takeaway: steadier operations improve workforce conditions and reduce disruption for vulnerable travelers.
What’s next
- The FAA will collect more public comments on the Newark extension through October 2026.
- Officials will keep measuring on-time performance and delay minutes, while the controller hiring push continues.
- If staffing and tech upgrades stay on track, officials say Newark can support more flights after 2026–2027.
Practical tips if you’re booking Newark
- Book earlier flights: morning flights face fewer knock-on delays.
- Allow extra connection time: aim for longer layovers if changing planes the same day, especially during fall construction weekends when the cap drops to 56 per hour.
- Watch weekend schedules in fall 2025: expect tighter capacity between September 1 and December 31 on weekends.
- Consider nearby airports: compare fares and times at JFK or LaGuardia if seats are limited.
- Track your flight: use your airline app and check the FAA’s updates before you head to the airport.
The bottom line
The FAA’s cap of 72 flights per hour at Newark is set to stay into 2026. United Airlines supports the move, saying steady operations now will set the stage for a stronger, larger airport later.
With hiring, fiber upgrades, and a major rebuild under way, Newark looks set for a slow but durable climb toward more capacity — and, if all goes as planned, fewer bad travel days for everyone.
This Article in a Nutshell
United supports the FAA’s Newark cap through October 2026, prioritizing safety amid controller shortages. Limits—72 hourly, lower during construction—aim to reduce delays while $5 billion upgrades and 2,000 controller hires restore long-term capacity and prevent rolling cancellations that harm travelers and staff.
