‘ATC shortages’ disrupting Newark Thanksgiving travel
United Airlines has blamed a shortage of air traffic controllers for disruption at its Newark hub shortage.
It comes as millions of Americans take to the skies for the Thanksgiving holiday.
United told The Hill air traffic controller ‘understaffing is causing significant disruption for our travelers’.
United said ‘more than 343,000 United travelers have been disrupted by delays, cancellations, long taxi times and longer flight times’ so far this month, which it puts down to ‘air traffic control delays’ at the airport.
“The FAA needs more air traffic controllers. The FAA shortage has been especially acute at its center for Newark airspace, forcing it to reduce traffic flows to our Newark hub.”
The FAA has acknowledged an acute shortage of air traffic controllers for many months which has led to restrictions at some airports.
“Hiring more air traffic controllers is a top priority,” the FAA said, noting the Newark-New York area as one of the key regions suffering shortages.
“Specifically in the Newark airspace, the FAA is addressing a decades-long issue of staffing and has been transparent with airlines and travelers about our plan.”
In a social media post Newark Airport also cited ‘FAA issues’ for possible flight delays.
“Check your flight status and allow extra time at the airport,” it wrote.
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