United Airlines plans to cancel about 35 round-trip flights daily from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to ongoing air traffic control issues and equipment failures. This reduction, nearly 10% of the airline’s operations at the busy airport, comes as the FAA faces scrutiny over modernization delays and staffing shortages, causing increased flight delays and cancellations.
The airline’s CEO, Scott Kirby, has emphasized the need for the FAA to designate Newark as a Level 3 airport, which would help regulate the number of flights scheduled at the facility, similar to nearby JFK and LaGuardia airports. The Philadelphia Interroute Center, which supports Newark airspace, has also suffered from technology outages, impacting arrival and departure procedures.
In light of these challenges and a gradual reduction in staffing levels among air traffic controllers, United Airlines is proactively cutting flights to mitigate disruptions and prioritize passenger safety. The airline has plans to introduce five new international routes from Newark, pending FAA resolutions, while addressing broader concerns regarding air traffic control modernization and competition among airlines.
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