Crisis at Newark Airport Continues

Newark Liberty International Airport faced significant flight disruptions over the weekend and into Monday due to a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers. As one of the busiest airports in the nation, Newark is experiencing widespread cancellations and delays.

Staggering Numbers of Cancellations and Delays

By Monday morning, reports indicated that 73 flights were canceled and 22 were delayed at Newark. This followed a chaotic Sunday that saw a whopping 141 flight cancellations and 436 delays, according to FlightAware.com.

United Airlines Cuts Flights in Response

In response to these ongoing staffing issues, United Airlines announced the reduction of nearly 35 round-trip flights from its daily schedule at Newark. This move represents a significant 10% cut of their daily operations, where they typically operate around 328 flights.

Technological Woes Add to the Disruption

The airline's troubles were compounded by a recent telecommunications outage that further snarled operations last week. United, which is Newark’s largest carrier, is feeling the impact of these staffing shortages deeply.

Government Officials Demand Action

In light of the recent disruptions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his outrage, labeling the slew of delays as "completely and utterly unacceptable." He has called for urgent action to reverse the declining staffing levels at the Federal Aviation Administration, emphasizing the need for more air traffic controllers to restore normalcy at Newark.

Outlook Amid Ongoing Challenges

With these performances bringing frustration to travelers, the outlook remains uncertain. Passengers are urged to stay informed and check flight statuses regularly as Newark Airport continues to deal with these unpredictable challenges.