The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has put forward a proposal to extend operational restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) through 24 October 2026, aiming to curb persistent delays and cancellations plaguing one of New York’s busiest aviation hubs.
Announced on 8 August 2025, the plan extends a June 2025 order that caps flight movements at 68 per hour on weekdays and 56 per hour during weekend construction periods through 31 December 2025. The new proposal, published in the Federal Register on 12 August 2025, raises the limit to 72 hourly operations (36 arrivals and 36 departures) outside construction periods from 26 October 2025, reflecting modest improvements in infrastructure but ongoing air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages. The FAA has invited public comments until 15 August 2025, seeking input from airlines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and travellers to shape the final order.
The decision follows a turbulent period for Newark, marked by significant disruptions in April and May 2025, when telecommunications outages and staffing deficits at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which oversees Newark’s airspace, led to over 200 flight cancellations during the Memorial Weekend rush. The FAA’s June order was introduced to address these issues, triggered by runway construction on EWR’s Runway 4L-22R, equipment failures, and a national shortfall of approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers. The Philadelphia TRACON’s Area C, responsible for Newark, is currently only 48pc staffed, with 22 certified controllers against a target of 46, and 14 controllers are set to return to New York’s TRACON by July 2026, further straining resources. The FAA’s plan to hire 2,000 controllers in 2025 and ongoing upgrades, including a new fibre optic network replacing outdated copper wiring, aim to mitigate these challenges, but training delays mean full recovery is years away.
For passengers, the extended limits could mean fewer flight options and higher fares, particularly during peak times, as Newark’s normal capacity exceeds 80 hourly operations in good weather. United Airlines, which operates 440 daily flights at its Newark hub, estimates £200m in annual losses from reduced schedules but has praised the proposal for stabilising operations. CEO Scott Kirby noted on 9 August 2025 that Newark’s on-time performance has improved, making it the most punctual New York-area airport. However, regional carriers and travellers may face tighter schedules, with advice to book early, opt for morning flights, or consider nearby JFK or LaGuardia airports. The proposal also accounts for anticipated demand spikes in 2026 due to events like the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations, which could exacerbate congestion without limits.
The FAA’s £5bn modernisation plan, including new TRACON facilities and technology upgrades, offers hope for long-term relief, but analysts warn that extended caps may increase costs for airlines and inconvenience passengers. The agency is exploring slot allocation methods, such as proportional distribution or a lottery system, to fairly distribute the 72 hourly operations. As Newark navigates these constraints, the FAA’s efforts to balance safety, efficiency, and capacity underscore the complexities of managing one of America’s most congested airspaces, with the outcome hinging on stakeholder feedback and the pace of infrastructure improvements.
