United Airlines axes dozens of daily flights at Newark Airport over delays, FAA walk-offs: ‘No other choice’

New York Post - May 3rd, 2025

United Airlines announced the cancellation of 35 daily round-trip flights at Newark Liberty International Airport due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) technology failures and staffing issues. This decision comes after a week marked by excessive delays, including significant setbacks for flights, such as one from Boston delayed over five hours. The cancellations account for approximately 10% of United's service at Newark. Nearly a quarter of the FAA's air traffic controllers at the airport walked off the job this week due to malfunctioning technology, exacerbating the already critical understaffing situation. The FAA issued a Ground Delay for Newark, and delays are expected to persist, affecting thousands of travelers. United's CEO, Scott Kirby, expressed disappointment over schedule reductions but emphasized the necessity to protect customers amidst unresolved FAA structural issues.

The ongoing issues at Newark highlight broader challenges within the FAA, particularly the need for updated technology and sufficient staffing. The New Jersey Port Authority stressed the importance of these upgrades, noting that their investments in modernizing Newark Liberty are contingent on a fully staffed and upgraded federal air traffic system. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, serving Newark, and acknowledged the need for a new air traffic control system. While Kirby praised the Trump administration's proposal for systemwide FAA investment, he also called for Newark to be designated a Level 3 slot-controlled airport, indicating it cannot handle its current traffic volume. The situation underscores the critical need for federal action to address aging infrastructure and staffing shortages in one of the nation's busiest air corridors.

Faa United Airlines Newark Liberty International Airport Scott Kirby Flight Cancellations Air Traffic Control Technology Failures Staffing Issues Ground Delay

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of significant disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport, focusing on United Airlines' response to FAA-related challenges. It effectively communicates the impact of these issues on travelers and highlights the need for systemic improvements. However, the story could benefit from greater balance by incorporating more perspectives, particularly from the FAA, and providing clearer sourcing for some claims. While the article is accessible and well-structured, it lacks in-depth exploration of the broader implications and potential controversies surrounding the situation. Overall, it serves as a solid informational piece but could enhance its impact and engagement by addressing these areas.

Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate overview of the situation at Newark Liberty International Airport, with specific details about flight cancellations and delays. The claim that United Airlines cut 35 daily round-trip flights is supported by multiple sources, although the exact percentage of service reduction could use further corroboration. The report on FAA technology failures and staffing issues is consistent with statements from United's CEO and other media outlets. However, the exact number of air traffic controllers who 'walked off the job' and the specific nature of the technology failures are not fully detailed or confirmed by the FAA, which leaves some room for verification. Additionally, the narrative around the FAA's response and the political context requires more direct sourcing.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of United Airlines and its CEO, Scott Kirby, highlighting the airline's challenges and decisions. While it mentions the FAA's role and the Port Authority's concerns, there is limited representation of the FAA's viewpoint or a detailed explanation of their actions or plans. The story could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including direct responses or statements from FAA officials or additional context regarding the broader implications of the staffing and technology issues.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a clear and logical manner. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to understand the key points and implications of the situation at Newark Liberty International Airport. The use of specific examples, such as the delays of particular flights, helps to illustrate the impact of the issues discussed. However, some technical terms related to air traffic control could benefit from further explanation for general readers.

Source quality

The article references statements from United Airlines' CEO and mentions information from NBC News and Flight Stats, indicating a reliance on credible sources. However, it lacks direct quotes or confirmations from FAA officials, which would enhance the credibility of the claims about staffing and technology issues. The inclusion of an anonymous air traffic controller adds a layer of firsthand insight but also requires careful consideration due to the lack of attribution.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events and includes specific claims from United Airlines. However, it does not fully disclose the basis for some claims, such as the exact number of air traffic controllers who walked off the job or the specific nature of the FAA's technology issues. Greater transparency regarding the sources of these claims and the methodology behind the reported statistics would improve the article's transparency.