United Airlines is set to reduce its flight schedule significantly at Newark Liberty International Airport in November 2023, citing persistent FAA staffing shortages and technical glitches. This decision will see more than 700 flights, mostly domestic short- and medium-haul routes, cut from its Newark hub, as reported by simpleflying.com. The move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airlines operating under constrained resources.
These changes come in response to repeated reductions in traffic flow to Newark by the FAA due to low staff numbers, leading to notable disruptions. Reuters noted that the FAA's staffing situation is currently about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of its target, a result of a 10% decrease since 2012. This shortage has caused existing employees to work extended hours, which has only been compounded by outdated infrastructure, some of which is over 60 years old.
In response to these challenges, major U.S. airlines, including United, have sought extensions to the current waivers on minimum flight requirements at crowded New York City-area airports through October 2027, according to Reuters. These steps aim to accommodate both the ongoing staffing and technological setbacks facing the FAA, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced staffing and upgrading of infrastructure to maintain efficient air travel services.