FAA proposes extending Newark flight restrictions through 2026

[WASHINGTON, DC] The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed extending flight reductions at Newark Liberty International Airport through October 2026, while also slightly raising the current limit. 

The regulator sought public comment on its plan in a notice filed Friday (Aug 8). It said continued reductions are needed as the agency deals with an air traffic controller staffing crunch at a Philadelphia facility that guides planes in and out of the busy New York area hub. 

Under the tentative plan, the agency would extend and amend a June order to cut Newark flights that’s currently set to expire later this year. 

The new limit would increase the permissible number of flights per hour to 72 – 36 arrivals and 36 departures – outside of construction periods, beginning this October. 

That would be an increase from the current top rate of 68 but still lower than the airport’s typical capacity. 

Newark’s normal operating level is about 77 total operations per hour, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby said at a press conference in June. Newark is United’s largest hub for international flights and a major gateway for domestic flights.

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The FAA first moved in May to limit flights at Newark after a series of technology outages and air traffic controller shortages fuelled a surge in delays and flight cancellations. 

The issues were exacerbated by construction on one of the airport’s runways. The flight cuts came after days of meetings with affected airlines. BLOOMBERG