More flight delays at Newark airport as staffing crisis prompts another ground stop

[A bustling scene at Terminal A, Newark Airport]
Brian Logan/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

More flights were delayed at the Newark Liberty International Airport over the weekend as a result of continued air traffic controller shortages amid the government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at the airport on Sunday, the second time that the agency has done so in a week.

The average flight delay was about 2 hours on Sunday, according to NYC Emergency Management, with some flights more than 3 hours late. "Delays at EWR [Newark] often spread to JFK and LaGuardia so travelers flying to, from, or through NYC should expect schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections," it added.

The FAA on Friday said nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks, and there has been a surge in controllers calling in sick.

"Currently, half of our Core 30 facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, and nearly 80 percent of air traffic controllers are absent at New York–area facilities," the agency noted. "After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue."

The FAA reiterated that it will reduce air traffic flow when there are staffing shortages, resulting in flight delays or cancellations.

"For those traveling in and out of Newark — expect significant delays," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X on Sunday. "We HAVE to reduce flight volumes to MAINTAIN SAFETY."

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