United Airlines Cuts Newark Flights Amid FAA Equipment Failures and Staffing Crisis

United Airlines (NYSE:KEX) will cancel 35 daily flights—around 10% of its schedule—at Newark Liberty International Airport starting this weekend due to ongoing equipment failures and air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages, according to CEO Scott Kirby.

The airline, which operates about 328 flights daily at Newark, faced widespread delays, diversions, and cancellations this week. Kirby blamed outdated FAA technology and a significant ATC walkout. “Technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on failed, leading to dozens of diversions and thousands of disrupted travel plans,” he said in an email to customers, noting that over 20% of Newark’s controllers had walked off the job.

The FAA and the air traffic controllers’ union declined to comment. The FAA had previously moved Newark’s airspace oversight to Philadelphia to reduce congestion and address staffing issues. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the FAA's Philadelphia radar control center, stating, “The technology is outdated, and it’s causing the disruptions at Newark.”

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed an investigation is underway and emphasized the need for adequate equipment and staffing. The FAA is currently short about 3,500 air traffic controllers, forcing many to work six-day weeks and mandatory overtime.

In response, major airlines, including United, are requesting the FAA extend its waiver on minimum flight usage requirements at congested New York-area airports through October 2027. The rule usually requires airlines to use at least 80% of their slots or risk losing them. United had already reduced flights at Newark earlier due to low FAA staffing and reported disruptions affecting over 343,000 passengers in November.

The situation underscores the urgent need for investment in ATC infrastructure and staffing to prevent further disruptions at one of the nation’s busiest air hubs.