Major disruptions affected flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday due to equipment problems and an air traffic controller shortage, authorities said.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that issues began when telecommunications and equipment failed at the Philadelphia TRACON facility, which guides aircraft in and out of Newark. This malfunction caused the FAA to slow down arrivals and departures at the airport.
A ground stop was issued, severely limiting traffic, according to reports from the airport area.
While the equipment problem was fixed by early Monday evening, officials revealed a shortage of air traffic controllers available to manage the airspace around Newark. This lack of staffing continued to impact operations.
The disruptions led to numerous delays and diversions. United Airlines confirmed it diverted more than 35 flights to other airports and delayed departures, creating a backlog of traffic. The airline anticipated cancellations and delays would continue throughout the day due to the staffing situation.
Travelers experienced extended journeys. One passenger, Sue Han, described her typical five-hour flight from Los Angeles turning into a nine-hour trip. Another passenger, David Bibeau, recounted circling and sitting on the tarmac in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after his plane, originating in Memphis, was diverted due to low fuel.
Despite the frustration, Bibeau expressed relief upon finally arriving, stating, "Never been so happy to be in Newark in my life."
United offered travelers a travel waiver, providing customers options to adjust their plans.
According to the FAA, flight activity was expected to resume slowly following the equipment fix, but delays persisted due to the limited number of controllers available.
