United Airlines CEO Announces Major Flight Cuts at Newark: What Travelers Need to Know
United Airlines Cuts 35 Daily Flights at Newark Airport
What Prompted the Major Cuts
United Airlines is pulling back, cancelling 35 daily roundtrip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport.
CEO Scott Kirby explained that these move is necessary to “protect our customers,” given the recent chaos caused by ongoing staffing shortages within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Starting this weekend, United will trim its schedule at one of its busiest hubs, with no clear end in sight due to the FAA’s inability to quickly resolve its staffing crisis.
Why Cutting Flights Was the Only Option
According to Scott Kirby, United had little choice. The airport, he said, simply cannot “handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate” for the foreseeable future.
More than 20% of FAA controllers at Newark have walked off the job, and the facility has been chronically understaffed for years.
The underlying problems aren’t just about scheduling; critical failures in the technology that air traffic controllers rely upon have added layers of unpredictability.
With so many unknowns, United decided that reducing flights was the best route to keep passengers safe and schedules more reliable.
A Growing Ripple Across Air Travel
This isn’t just a local problem. Since Tuesday, over 800 flight delays and 150 cancellations have swept through Newark, impacting travelers across major cities nationwide.
The disruption goes beyond simple inconvenience—passengers face multi-hour waits, while airlines scramble to adjust.
Understanding this decision brings the wider issues into focus as we explore the root of the FAA staffing crisis.
Understanding the FAA Staffing Crisis
Chronic Staffing Issues Come to a Head
The air traffic control staffing shortage at Newark Liberty International Airport didn’t come out of nowhere.
According to United CEO Scott Kirby, the facility has struggled for years to maintain enough controllers to safely handle the heavy flow of flights.
But in recent days, this staffing crisis has hit a tipping point. More than 20% of Newark’s FAA controllers have reportedly walked off the job, leaving a sizable hole in the operation.
Trouble Across the Region
It’s not just Newark feeling the pinch.
An operations center in Philadelphia is facing its own severe staffing shortages, which is making the workload even heavier for those who remain at Newark.
This interconnected system means that when one control center struggles, the impact is felt up and down the East Coast and far beyond.
Why It Matters Now
United’s CEO was blunt about the problems, saying there’s “no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues” fast enough to avoid major disruptions.
With so few controllers, United and the FAA agree that Newark simply can’t keep its usual schedule. Some air traffic controllers warn the current setup is “not a safe situation for the flying public”.
As the pressure mounts, issues with FAA technology and continued controller shortages intertwine, making the challenges for airlines and travelers more severe each day.
Technical Failures Compounding the Problem
Technology Challenges Hit Hard
The problems at Newark Liberty International Airport don’t stop with staff shortages.
The technology that air traffic controllers rely on has failed more than once recently.
These failures have made it tough for controllers to manage planes safely and efficiently.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby explained that, during these issues, the system simply cannot keep up with the number of flights scheduled.
For travelers and employees alike, that’s a recipe for disruption and anxiety.
Runway Closures Make Things Worse
To make matters worse, one of Newark’s main runways is closed for critical repairs and isn’t expected to reopen until mid-June 2025.
This has reduced the airport’s overall capacity and placed even more strain on systems that were already struggling.
With fewer runways in operation, planes are forced to wait longer for takeoff and landing slots, causing more delays and cancellations.
Safety Concerns from the Front Lines
It’s not just inconvenience that’s on the line—some air traffic controllers have described the current situation as “not safe for the flying public.”
The combination of understaffing and recurring technical problems has created a stressful environment and increased risk for mistakes.
Controllers are stretched thin, and even a minor technical glitch can quickly escalate into a significant safety concern.
With both personnel and technology strained, the impacts have reached well beyond Newark, stirring worries and frustration throughout the air travel community.
Impact on Travelers
Delays, Cancellations, and Disruption
Over the past week, flying in or out of Newark Liberty International Airport has become a challenge for many passengers.
Since Tuesday, the airport has faced more than 800 delays and 150 flight cancellations, with some arrivals delayed over three hours and most departures running up to 45 minutes late.
This sudden spike in disruption comes after United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 daily roundtrip flights due to a critical shortage of air traffic controllers and ongoing technology issues affecting safety and reliability.
The Ripple Effect Beyond Newark
The chaos hasn’t been contained to just Newark.
The disruptions have rippled across the country, affecting travelers in major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas.
Long wait times at gates, missed connections, and last-minute notifications have become the norm.
Flyers like Lisa Tarter described the experience as “frustrating,” echoing the anxiety many passengers now feel as they try to plan their journeys.
Navigating the New Normal
It’s clear that flying through Newark isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.
Passengers are seeing more crowded departure boards, longer lines at customer service, and a greater need to monitor their flight status closely.
While the situation is challenging, travelers are hoping for more transparency and quicker communication as efforts are made to address these ongoing problems.
The broader travel landscape is shifting as airlines, government agencies, and airport authorities all work on potential fixes.
| Scenario | Before | After (Federal Actions) |
|---|---|---|
| 🛬 Staffing Shortages | Chronic understaffing at airports, particularly Newark Liberty | Recruitment of new air traffic controllers and retention packages for current employees |
| ⚙️ Technology Upgrades | Outdated air traffic control systems leading to delays | Complete overhaul of the air traffic control system, including new fiber networks, advanced radar, and upgraded radios |
| 📈 Federal Commitment | Minimal federal intervention in the air traffic control crisis | Secretary Duffy’s pledge for comprehensive modernization of air traffic control systems and investment in staffing |
| ⏳ Future Outlook | Frequent delays and cancellations due to understaffing and outdated systems | Improved operational efficiency and stability as staffing and technology investments take effect |
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
Major Changes for Newark Flyers
United’s decision to cut 35 daily flights at Newark hits hard, especially since the airline has the largest presence there.
If you regularly fly through Newark, you’ll notice fewer options and likely more competition for available seats.
This will make booking last-minute trips tougher, with greater risk of sold-out flights—especially during peak travel times.
The cuts, rolling out this weekend, aren’t just a small tweak.
They are a major shake-up for anyone accustomed to the usual flight options.
Expect More Delays and Schedule Shifts
Travelers should be ready for continued hiccups.
Newark has faced over 800 delays and 150 cancellations just since Tuesday.
Some inbound flights have been delayed for more than three hours, while outbound flights often wait up to 45 minutes before departure.
These disruptions don’t exist in a vacuum. Delays at Newark ripple out, causing issues in cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas.
If you’re connecting through Newark, keep a close eye on your schedule and allow for extra wiggle room in your plans.
Communication and Updates
The FAA has promised to keep travelers informed about Newark’s ongoing challenges.
Expect updates about airport status, delays, and any major changes via the FAA’s communication channels.
Check these regularly before your trip to be flexible with your travel arrangements.
Those relying on Newark should stay aware, plan ahead, and stay tuned for further efforts to address these ongoing air travel issues.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Solutions
The Push for Lasting Change
After months of compounding delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International, the need for permanent solutions has never been clearer.
While United’s cut of 35 daily flights is disruptive for travelers, airport leaders say the root of the problem lies in the federal air traffic system—not just the airlines themselves.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has pointed out that they have “invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty,” but these upgrades only help if there is a fully staffed and modern federal system in place.
Persistent staffing shortages and outdated air traffic control technology have exposed cracks in the system that no amount of airport investment can fully fix.
Systemic Challenges in Air Traffic Management
Industry experts agree the crisis at Newark signals deeper, systemic issues facing U.S. air traffic management.
Decades of underinvestment have left FAA centers understaffed and operating with old, glitch-prone equipment.
When more than 20% of controllers at Newark walked off recently, the system quickly became overwhelmed, forcing painful but necessary decisions from airlines like United.
The Road to Recovery Requires Investment
Moving forward, a true resolution will require more than short-term fixes.
Increased hiring, competitive retention packages for controllers, and accelerated deployment of modern technology are all crucial steps.
Without these, travelers will likely continue to see disruptions not just at Newark, but in major cities nationwide.
As New York and New Jersey officials push for urgent federal action, the focus turns to how quickly national infrastructure and staffing can be repaired to restore confidence in air travel.
