Flight delays and cancellations at Newark airport, second time in less than 7 days: Status update and what's hurting one of the busiest airports in the US

Flight delays and cancellations reportedly continued to plague Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday, May 5, 2025, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cited air traffic controller absences and persistent cloud cover as key factors. The disruptions, which have drawn national attention, prompted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as reported by AP, to call for an inspector general investigation into what he described as "chaos" at the airport.
The FAA reported that some air traffic controllers, stressed by recent equipment and telecommunications outages, took time off to recover, exacerbating delays that reached nearly four hours for arriving flights. United Airlines, a major carrier at Newark, slashed 35 daily flights from its schedule starting Saturday, citing an outdated air traffic control system and staffing shortages. United CEO Scott Kirby noted that over one-fifth of Newark’s controllers had "walked off the job" following multiple technology failures in recent days.
Schumer, a New York Democrat, urged the Transportation Department to investigate the root causes of the disruptions to prevent further escalation. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy echoed the frustration, calling the delays “completely and utterly unacceptable” in a post on X. Murphy added that U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is committed to hiring more controllers to address the shortage.
The Trump administration has acknowledged the need to modernize the "obsolete" air traffic control system and bolster the controller workforce. Last week, Duffy announced a recruitment program and incentives to retain existing controllers. However, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association emphasized that the system remains in dire need of technological and infrastructural upgrades.
The disruptions come at a challenging time for the airline industry, with United Airlines offering dual financial forecasts—one anticipating a potential recession driven by President Donald Trump’s trade policies. United operates flights to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations from Newark, making the airport a critical hub.
The FAA and the Transportation Department did not immediately respond to AP requests for comment. As delays persist, travelers are left grappling with uncertainty, and pressure mounts for systemic reforms to stabilize operations at one of the nation’s busiest airports.