A ground stop was implemented at Newark Liberty International Airport due to staffing issues linked to the ongoing government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the halt of flights starting at 3 p.m. local time on Wednesday and initially anticipated it would last until 4:15 p.m.
Impact of the Staffing Crisis
The staffing shortages have significantly affected operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States. Following the initial ground stop, the FAA lifted the halt but imposed a ground delay lasting until 11 p.m. Passengers should expect an average delay of 40 minutes for their flights.
Details on Staffing Issues
- Air traffic controllers, categorized as essential workers, have faced challenging conditions without pay since October 1st.
- Many controllers have reported calling in sick or taking on secondary jobs to support themselves financially.
According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the impact of staffing shortages was notable, with 44% of flight delays on a recent Sunday attributed to air traffic control issues. This figure was around 24% for the following Monday, a significant increase compared to prior months when only about 5% of delays were linked to staffing problems.
Reactions and Future Developments
Public sentiment regarding the operational challenges at Newark has been vocal. One individual on social media expressed frustration, stating, “The situation at EWR is not fixable.”
Both the FAA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have not yet provided comments in response to inquiries about the situation. This story continues to develop, and updates will be provided as new information arises.
