Though the record-long government shutdown might be coming to an end, the closure that led to shortages of air traffic controllers is still causing flight delays and cancellations at the nation’s airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to data from FlightAware, as of 11:58 a.m., there were 166 delays Nov. 10 at Newark Liberty and 91 cancellations. As of 12:11 p.m., departures were delayed an average of 30 minutes, as per the Department of Transportation.
United Airlines was impacted the most by the Federal Aviation Administration order to reduce flights, cancelling 38, or 6%, and 76, or 13%, were delayed.
The FAA said nationally 15,400 flights were delayed and 2,013 flights were canceled.
The Senate overnight voted to advance a short-term funding bill that would end the 41-day government shutdown, which has caused chaos and uncertainty for air travelers because of air traffic control shortages.
More than 2,000 flights were canceled nationwide Nov. 9 and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could get worse as the shutdown continues.
Beginning on Nov. 7, air carriers were ordered by the FAA to reduce operations to achieve the total reduction of 10% by Nov. 14, with minimum reductions at each high impact airport, which included Newark Airport. Carriers had to cut the percentage to 4% by 6 a.m. EST on Nov. 7; 6% by 6 a.m. on Nov. 11; 8% by 6 a.m. on Nov. 13; and 10% by 6 a.m. on Nov. 14, and thereafter, by 10%.
News reports said the FAA order also included Teterboro Airport.
It’s been a tumultuous year for Newark Liberty International Airport. The airport experienced delays in the spring because of the extensive closure of one of its runways, a shortage of air traffic controllers and equipment malfunctions.
