United Airlines is currently navigating significant hurdles at Newark Liberty International Airport due to a barrage of challenges, including staffing shortages, outdated infrastructure, and recent technical disruptions. In a bid to address congestion, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed flight reductions at Newark, suggesting a temporary cap on arrivals and departures. These proposed limits would be 28 flights per hour during runway construction and 34 per hour otherwise, lasting through October 25, 2025, to minimize airport delays and cancellations.
The situation at Newark has been exacerbated by ongoing communication outages, causing widespread impact on operations. United Airlines, handling nearly 70% of flights at this airport, has faced over 9,000 flight delays since late April 2025. In response, United has slashed about 10% of its daily flights from Newark and is waiving change fees for passengers. Reuters has reported that the airline's challenges are compounded by Newark's operational constraints, leaving United particularly vulnerable amid these disruptions.
United's dependency on Newark, following its reduced presence at JFK Airport since 2016, heightens its exposure to these challenges. Although attempts to return to JFK have been difficult, a potential partnership with JetBlue might open doors for United. Additionally, calls are mounting for major investments to modernize FAA’s infrastructure, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy proposing a multibillion-dollar overhaul to address systemic issues, reflecting the broader implications for both United and the industry at large.