The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an interim order to reduce the flight arrival and departure rate at Newark Liberty International Airport. This decision comes as part of efforts to manage ongoing construction, staffing challenges, and equipment issues that have been causing significant delays.
According to the order, the maximum hourly rate will be limited to 28 arrivals and 28 departures until the completion of construction on Runway 4-Left/22-Right. Daily construction is expected to conclude by June 15, 2025, although it will continue on Saturdays until the end of the year. Outside of these periods, the airport will accommodate up to 34 arrivals and departures until October 25, 2025.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau stated, "Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System."
The new limits are effective from May 20. The FAA discussed this plan with airlines during a delay-reduction meeting last week. Adjustments may be made if capacity allows for more flights without increasing delays or if further reductions are necessary.
To support these changes, several actions are being taken:
1. Three new high-bandwidth telecommunications connections are being added between New York-based STARS and Philadelphia TRACON for increased speed and reliability.
2. Copper telecommunications connections are being replaced with updated fiberoptic technology.
3. A temporary backup system is being deployed at Philadelphia TRACON during its transition to a more reliable fiberoptic network.
4. A STARS hub is being established at Philadelphia TRACON to ensure independence from New York's telecommunications feed.
5. Controller staffing is being increased at Philadelphia TRACON Area C with a healthy pipeline of controllers in training.
These measures aim to enhance operational efficiency and minimize disruptions for travelers using Newark Liberty International Airport.
