Air traffic controllers lost radar with flights over Newark Airport: union
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) – More delays are expected at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday due to air traffic control staff shortages, equipment failures, runway construction and the weather.
Air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON lost radar and communications with planes over Newark last Monday, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The outage, where workers were "unable to see, hear, or talk to [planes]," reportedly lasted less than two minutes.
"The controllers did not “walk off the job” as it has been reported by the media. Due to the event, the controllers took absence under the Federal Employees Compensation Act. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job," NATCA said in a statement to PIX11 News.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer has called for an investigation into Newark Airport’s failures, including whether staffing cuts by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) played a role.
On Monday, 364 flights were delayed and 160 were canceled at Newark Airport alone. Over 30 flights were delayed and at least 12 were canceled on Tuesday.
United Airlines, which has canceled most of its flights out of Newark, is allowing travelers to change to Philadelphia or LaGuardia airports for free.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.