Last week, Newark Liberty International Airport faced significant disruptions due to a malfunction in the air traffic control system, described by controllers as an “extremely dangerous situation.” The outage stemmed from communication failures at the Philadelphia Air Traffic Control Facility, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays averaging four hours.
Controllers reportedly experienced trauma due to the outdated systems, which are managed using old technology, with one source highlighting a lack of redundancy and a single data feed that connected the facility’s radar to controllers in Philadelphia. An incident involved a loss of communication with a FedEx flight, raising safety concerns as controllers struggled to manage air traffic without proper radar or radio contact.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the outdated equipment, citing its inefficiency in handling modern air traffic. Controllers took trauma leave after the incident, emphasizing the psychological toll of managing such chaotic situations. Aviation analysts noted the heroic efforts of controllers who continue to operate under these challenging conditions while advocating for systemic improvements.
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