Veteran air traffic controller Jonathan Stewart has raised urgent concerns about safety at Newark Liberty International Airport, where recent equipment outages and staffing shortages have led to widespread delays and cancellations. On May 9, a 90-second radar outage at the Philadelphia TRACON facility, which guides planes to and from Newark, caused screens to go blank, heightening fears among controllers. A similar telecommunications issue on May 12 prompted a 45-minute ground stop, disrupting flights at one of the nation’s busiest airports. These incidents, coupled with a critical shortage of controllers, have spotlighted systemic issues within the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control network.
The crisis deepened with reports of only three controllers on duty at Newark on May 12, far below the agreed-upon 14, exacerbating delays. Stewart, a supervisor at the Philadelphia facility, described the cumulative stress of these events, noting a close call on May 4 when two planes nearly collided at the same altitude. Posts on X reflect public alarm, with users citing trauma leave taken by controllers after outages.
- Recent outages: May 9 radar failure and May 12 telecom issue disrupted Newark operations.
- Staffing shortfall: Only three controllers were on duty instead of 14 on May 12.
- Close call: A May 4 incident saw two planes on a collision course, averted by Stewart’s intervention.
As the FAA grapples with aging equipment and overworked staff, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to ensure passenger safety amidst growing operational challenges.
Jonathan Stewart’s safety warnings
Jonathan Stewart, a veteran air traffic controller with over 20 years of experience, has publicly detailed the dangers plaguing Newark’s air traffic control operations. In an interview, he recounted a May 4 incident where two planes were on a collision course at the same altitude, requiring swift action to redirect them. Stewart filed an internal safety report, highlighting the risks posed by equipment failures and understaffing. He emphasized that these events, while brief, have a cumulative toll on controllers’ mental health, with five colleagues taking 45-day trauma leave after an April 28 outage.
The April 28 incident, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, saw radar and radio systems fail, leaving controllers unable to communicate with aircraft. Stewart’s candid remarks underscore the strain of working 60-hour weeks, a norm for many controllers due to nationwide staffing shortages. His warnings have resonated across the industry, with aviation experts calling for immediate action to address the crisis.
- May 4 close call: Two planes nearly collided, averted by Stewart’s quick response.
- Trauma leave: Five controllers took leave after the April 28 outage.
- Workload: Controllers often work six-day, 60-hour weeks.
Newark’s recurring equipment failures
Newark Liberty International Airport has faced a series of equipment outages, raising alarms about the reliability of the FAA’s air traffic control systems. On May 9, a 90-second radar outage at the Philadelphia TRACON facility caused screens to go dark, disrupting flight guidance. A telecommunications issue on May 12 led to a 45-minute ground stop, with controllers reporting “popping sounds” on radio frequencies, forcing a switch to backup systems. An earlier outage on April 28, also lasting up to 90 seconds, crippled radar and communications, contributing to over 1,000 flight cancellations.
These failures highlight the FAA’s reliance on outdated technology, with some equipment dating back decades. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy compared the gear to a “1967 Volkswagen Beetle,” emphasizing the need for modernization. The FAA has announced plans to build a new air traffic control system by 2029, but critics argue the timeline is too slow given the frequency of disruptions.
The outages have caused significant delays, with 40% of flights at Newark delayed on May 12, according to FlightAware. Controllers have been heard on audio transmissions urging airlines to pressure the FAA for fixes, reflecting frustration within the system.
Nationwide staffing shortages
The FAA faces a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, with 311 of 313 facilities understaffed as of May 7. Newark, a high-traffic hub, is particularly affected, with only three controllers on duty during the May 12 outage, compared to the required 14. The shortage stems from years of underinvestment and slow hiring, with training for new controllers taking 18 to 24 months, and up to three years for complex airports like Newark.
In 2024, the FAA hired 2,000 new controllers, but this fell short of replacing retirees and addressing existing gaps. Controllers at Newark and other busy airports work mandatory overtime, leading to fatigue and heightened stress. Industry consultant Jeff Guzzetti noted that Newark’s staffing crisis is among the worst, with controllers handling 50,000 flights daily across the U.S.
- Understaffed facilities: 311 of 313 FAA facilities lack adequate controllers.
- Training duration: 18-24 months for basic certification, three years for Newark.
- Overtime burden: Controllers work 60-hour weeks, increasing fatigue risks.
- Hiring efforts: 2,000 new controllers in 2024, insufficient to close gaps.
Impact on passenger travel
Travelers at Newark have faced significant disruptions, with hundreds of flights delayed or canceled over the past two weeks. The May 12 ground stop, prompted by a telecommunications issue, delayed 40% of flights, stranding passengers for hours. The April 28 outage caused chaos, with over 1,000 cancellations and ripple effects across the Northeast. FlightAware reported that Newark’s on-time performance dropped to 58% during this period, compared to a national average of 75%.
Passengers have voiced frustration on social media, with some questioning the safety of flying into Newark. Current controllers have advised travelers to avoid the airport, citing both safety concerns and frequent delays. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed that safety remains the priority, justifying the FAA’s cautious approach.
The Department of Transportation has reduced flight schedules at Newark for several weeks to alleviate pressure on controllers and systems. This move, while aimed at ensuring safety, has drawn criticism from airlines, with United CEO Scott Kirby noting that carriers are scaling back operations to adapt to staffing and tech constraints.
Broader aviation safety concerns
The Newark outages are part of a broader crisis in U.S. air traffic control, with similar incidents reported at other airports. On May 12, Denver International Airport experienced a 90-second communications outage, affecting pilots’ ability to contact controllers. Backup frequencies prevented a loss of separation, but the incident underscored systemic vulnerabilities. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport also reported operational issues on May 12, with 40% of flights delayed.
A January 2025 collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people, heightened scrutiny of air traffic control. The National Transportation Safety Board noted 85 near misses at Reagan in the three years prior, signaling unaddressed risks. A hotline between the Pentagon and Reagan’s control tower, nonfunctional for over three years, may have contributed to the crash.
- Denver outage: 90-second communication loss on May 12, mitigated by backups.
- Atlanta delays: 40% of flights delayed on May 12 due to operational issues.
- Reagan crash: January 2025 collision killed 67, linked to communication failures.
- Near misses: 85 incidents at Reagan from 2022-2024.
Controllers’ mental health toll
The psychological strain on air traffic controllers has become a focal point, with multiple Newark staff taking trauma leave after outages. The April 28 incident, where screens went dark for up to 90 seconds with 20 planes in the air, left five controllers—a supervisor, three staff, and one trainee—on 45-day leave. Stewart, among those affected, described the cumulative stress of handling near misses and equipment failures, noting that safety events “build up over time.”
Controllers face intense pressure, managing high-traffic airports with outdated systems and insufficient staff. The FAA’s inability to quickly replace those on leave, due to the specialized nature of the role, exacerbates the shortage. Posts on X highlight public sympathy for controllers, with users calling the situation “terrifying” and urging systemic reforms.
The FAA has acknowledged the issue, offering mental health resources, but critics argue that addressing staffing and equipment problems is essential to reducing stress. The Modern Skies Coalition, representing industry groups, has called for accelerated hiring and modernization to support controllers.
FAA’s response and modernization plans
The FAA, under scrutiny from Congress and the public, has outlined measures to address the crisis. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a reduction in Newark flights to prioritize safety, a move supported by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who urged swift modernization. The FAA plans to deploy a new air traffic control system by 2029, replacing equipment likened to “Apollo 13” relics.
FAA official Frank McIntosh testified that backup systems prevented safety breaches during recent outages, but admitted the agency faces challenges with aging infrastructure. The Denver outage, for instance, saw controllers switch to emergency frequencies, maintaining separation. However, Representative Robert Garcia expressed alarm at the frequency of incidents, noting their impact on public confidence.
The agency is also ramping up hiring, targeting 2,000 new controllers annually, though training delays mean relief is years away. Duffy criticized the previous administration for ignoring early warnings, a claim echoed by industry analysts who point to decades of underinvestment.
Industry and union perspectives
Airlines and unions have weighed in on the crisis, with mixed reactions to the FAA’s approach. United CEO Scott Kirby assured passengers that flying remains safe, citing rigorous training for outages and staffing shortages. However, Allied Pilots Association spokesperson Dennis Tajer emphasized that pilots are trained for communication losses, using multiple radios and frequencies to maintain contact.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has pushed for increased funding and faster hiring, arguing that controllers are stretched beyond capacity. The union refuted claims that 20% of Newark controllers “walked off the job,” clarifying that trauma leave and retirements, not strikes, caused the shortfall. Industry groups, including the Modern Skies Coalition, support the FAA’s modernization plans but stress the urgency of immediate fixes.
- Airline stance: United scales back flights to adapt to constraints.
- Pilot training: Multiple radios ensure communication during outages.
- Union response: Controllers on trauma leave, not striking.
- Coalition support: Industry backs modernization but demands faster action.
Passenger safety measures
Despite the outages, the FAA and airlines maintain that safety protocols prevent disasters. During the May 9 Newark outage, controllers used backup systems to guide planes, and no flights were diverted. The Denver incident saw pilots switch to emergency frequencies, ensuring no loss of separation. The FAA’s layered safety systems, including radar and transponder backups, are designed to handle brief failures.
Pilots, trained for radio losses, follow protocols to maintain altitude and course, as seen in the May 4 close call averted by Stewart. However, aviation analyst David Soucie warned that cumulative risks from frequent outages could erode safety margins, particularly at high-traffic hubs like Newark. The FAA’s decision to reduce flights aims to lower these risks, though it disrupts travel plans.
Social media posts reflect passenger unease, with some avoiding Newark flights based on controller warnings. The FAA counters that safety remains the priority, with no incidents resulting in collisions during recent outages.
Other airports facing similar issues
The air traffic control crisis extends beyond Newark, with Denver and Atlanta reporting outages in May 2025. Denver’s 90-second communication loss on May 12 affected up to 20 pilots, who switched to a backup frequency after four main frequencies failed. Atlanta’s operational issues on the same day delayed 40% of flights, though specifics remain limited.
Reagan National Airport’s January crash, involving a jet and an Army helicopter, exposed systemic flaws, including a nonfunctional Pentagon hotline. The Army suspended helicopter flights, and the FAA is considering requiring 24-hour flight notices. These incidents highlight the nationwide scope of equipment and staffing challenges, with 311 understaffed facilities straining the system.
The FAA’s modernization plan, while focused on Newark, aims to address these broader issues, but experts warn that high-traffic airports like JFK and Austin could face similar disruptions without immediate action.
Calls for systemic reform
Aviation experts and lawmakers are pushing for sweeping reforms to address the air traffic control crisis. CNN analyst Peter Goelz predicted a “dreadful summer” for travelers, particularly around holidays, due to staffing and equipment woes. Former FAA safety inspector David Soucie noted that controllers have worked 60-hour weeks for years, a practice unsustainable without relief.
The 2023 creation of an independent safety review team, spurred by near-collisions, recommended increased hiring and equipment upgrades. The Modern Skies Coalition echoed these calls, praising Duffy’s focus on safety but urging faster implementation. Congressional hearings, including McIntosh’s testimony, have intensified pressure on the FAA to act, with lawmakers like Garcia highlighting public safety concerns.
The FAA’s 2029 modernization timeline, while ambitious, faces skepticism from experts who argue that interim fixes, such as leasing updated equipment, could bridge the gap. The agency’s commitment to safety, reiterated by Duffy and Kirby, remains central to its response, though passengers and controllers await tangible improvements.
