A ground stop was enforced at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday afternoon due to staffing shortages, disrupting air travel for over an hour. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flights from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., with delays persisting at roughly 40 minutes after the restriction lifted. A ground delay remained in effect through 11 p.m.
The crisis stemmed from prolonged government shutdowns, which left air traffic controllers unpaid for their work. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern over the growing strain on personnel, warning that stressed controllers might increasingly call out sick. The FAA has faced chronic understaffing, exacerbating delays and forcing restrictions on flight operations during staffing gaps.
Recent data showed a sharp rise in delays linked to controller shortages, with 44% of Sunday’s flight disruptions and 24% on Monday attributed to the issue—far exceeding previous rates of around 5%. The FAA has implemented measures like reduced flight schedules at Newark to mitigate pressure on controllers.
The situation has intensified as controllers face financial hardships, with some taking second jobs or missing paychecks. Duffy urged immediate action, criticizing Democratic leaders for maintaining the government shutdown. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the delays as “horrible and totally unnecessary,” calling for a resolution to reopen federal agencies.
Newark’s struggles have persisted through months of operational challenges, including technology failures, construction projects, and radar outages at key facilities. The airport remains under heightened scrutiny as staffing issues threaten broader aviation stability.