Newark Airport faces a perfect storm of understaffing, outdated infrastructure, and safety concerns as retired air traffic controller reveals dangerous conditions.
At a Glance
- 99% of U.S. air traffic control facilities are operating below recommended staffing levels
- Newark Airport’s Philadelphia facility has only 22 certified controllers instead of the required 38
- At times, as few as 3 controllers are available for shifts that require 14
- Newark’s radar systems are outdated and now remotely controlled from Philadelphia
- Controllers must manage approximately 1,000 planes daily in a complex airspace
Critical Staffing Shortages Plague Newark Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport is operating with dangerously low numbers of air traffic controllers, part of a nationwide crisis affecting 99% of U.S. air traffic control facilities. The Philadelphia facility responsible for Newark’s operations has only 22 certified controllers, far below the target of 38 established by the FAA and controllers’ union. This represents approximately 70% of required staffing levels, creating potential safety hazards at one of America’s busiest airports. More alarming is that during some shifts, as few as three controllers are available when regulations call for 14, forcing personnel to work excessive overtime.
The staffing crisis has become so severe that controllers are experiencing burnout and fatigue, with Newark recently losing five qualified controllers. This shortage comes at a particularly concerning time, as the airport typically handles approximately 1,000 planes daily, making it one of the nation’s high-profile transportation hubs. The complexity of the airspace, with LaGuardia, Kennedy, and numerous smaller airports nearby, compounds the challenges faced by the limited staff.
Outdated Infrastructure Compounds Safety Concerns
Beyond staffing issues, Newark Airport faces significant infrastructure challenges. According to Harvey Scolnick, a retired air traffic controller with 38 years of experience, the airport’s radar systems are outdated and now controlled remotely from Philadelphia. This arrangement raises concerns about response times during emergencies and system failures. Scolnick’s experience highlights the potential dangers; during his career at Kennedy Airport, he witnessed a complete system failure that plunged the control room into darkness.
“Newark Airport hasn’t enough controllers. Minimum staffing affects everything. Another issue? Infrastructure. Newark radar, now old, is actually controlled in Philadelphia.” Retired air traffic controller Harvey Scolnick.
The airport’s physical infrastructure, including runways and equipment, has not been updated to accommodate increased air traffic volumes. Recent technology breakdowns and system outages have further highlighted these deficiencies. Reports of air traffic control outages at Newark have raised alarms among travelers and industry experts alike, with some controllers advising passengers to avoid the airport altogether for both safety and convenience reasons.
The Complex Chess Game of Air Traffic Control
Controlling the airspace around Newark requires extraordinary skill and concentration. Controllers must maintain a minimum separation of 3 nautical miles and 1,000 feet between aircraft, all while coordinating with nearby airports in a congested metropolitan area. Scolnick compares the work to a chess game, requiring controllers to think several moves ahead while making split-second decisions that directly impact safety.
Additional factors further complicate this delicate balancing act. Controllers must account for weather conditions, wake turbulence from larger aircraft, and increasing interference from drones and helicopters. Training new controllers to handle this complexity takes 2-4 years in the New York region, making rapid staffing increases nearly impossible. While the FAA reports receiving over 10,000 applications during a recent hiring surge, the lengthy training process means relief may not arrive soon enough.
FAA Response and Future Outlook
The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledges the staffing crisis and has made increasing the air traffic controller workforce a priority. However, the combination of lengthy training requirements, an aging infrastructure, and increasing air traffic creates significant challenges. Recent near misses and safety incidents across the national airspace have brought additional scrutiny to these issues.
“Growing the nation’s air traffic controller workforce is a top priority for the F.A.A. Their work is critical to meeting our safety mission. During the hiring surge that closed on March 17, we received more than 10,000 applications. More than 8,300 of those were referred to testing.” sources report.
Until significant improvements are made to both staffing levels and infrastructure, Newark Airport will likely continue to experience operational challenges. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adequate funding and modernization efforts for America’s aviation infrastructure, particularly as air travel continues to grow in volume and complexity across the nation.
