An incident at Newark Liberty International Airport led to a temporary loss of communication with air traffic controllers, resulting in delayed flights and employee trauma leave. Communication issues and staffing shortages further exacerbate ongoing operational challenges at this major airport.
Newark Airport Air Traffic Controllers Encounter Communication Blackout
Newark Airport Air Traffic Controllers Encounter Communication Blackout
A brief loss of communication at Newark Liberty International Airport raises concerns as staff take trauma leave and hundreds of flights are affected.
Air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a short-lived communication failure last week, raising alarms and triggering trauma leave for some employees involved. On April 28, the controllers briefly lost contact with the aircraft they were managing, described by officials as being "unable to see, hear, or talk to them," which subsequently led to significant disruptions. This incident was reported to have caused over 150 flights to be cancelled on the following Monday alone, as outlined by tracking service FlightAware.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified that communication was lost for "30 seconds" but assured that the planes were not in danger of crashing, thanks to their independent communication devices. He characterized the event as indicative of a weakened system that requires urgent improvements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also conceded that the aging air traffic control system is affecting workforce morale and capacity to manage air traffic effectively.
Following the incident, the FAA confirmed that several controllers have taken leave due to the traumatic experience but did not specify how many. United Airlines, facing operational difficulties at Newark, announced a cut of 35 flights per day from its schedule, further highlighting the pressure on the airport's infrastructure.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported that some controllers took leave under specific provisions for traumatic workplace experiences. This incident coincides with the US Department of Transportation's new initiative to bolster staffing for the FAA, planning to hire at least 2,000 air traffic controllers this year. In light of ongoing issues with technology failures affecting Newark's air traffic management, Secretary Duffy is expected to present a reform plan to Congress soon, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the air traffic control system.
