United Cuts Newark Flights Amid ATC Walkout
Ah, America, land of the free and home of the slightly dysfunctional air traffic control system. Our airspace has been shrinking thanks to outdated tech and a dire shortage of traffic controllers. As the skies get busier, these poor overworked souls are being pushed to the brink while safety margins teeter on a knife edge.
Newark International Airport (EWR) is a prime example of where air traffic control shortcomings hit hardest. Constantly plagued by operational headaches, Newark is about to get hit with another curveball…
United CEO Scott Kirby Addresses Newark Mess
Lately, United’s reliability at Newark has taken quite a nosedive:
- Wednesday’s stats showed a 3% flight cancellation rate with 44% delayed.
- By Thursday, cancellations skyrocketed to 18%, though delays stubbornly stuck at 44%.
- Come Friday, cancellations dipped to 2%, but delays crept up, hitting a whopping 47%.
In response to this chaos, Friday afternoon saw United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby rolling up his sleeves and writing a heartfelt note to customers. Permit me to deliver the unfiltered essence of it:
“United has been ringing the alarm bells about EWR’s Air Traffic Control system issues for eons. While we’re all for the ongoing efforts to mend the FAA’s failings, this week saw the simmering pot finally overflow.”
“Recent days have been a tech blunder bonanza, with FAA systems at Newark failing left and right—planes diverted, flights delayed or canceled, and travelers left stranded. To top it off, over 20% of our controllers just up and left their posts. This area has been understaffed for ages, so this walkout means, surprise! Newark can’t handle its usual traffic load.”
“We at United will do all we can to soften the blow for our customers, which is why we’ve decided to scrap 35 roundtrip flights daily from Newark starting this weekend. It’s gutting to have to slash an already trimmed schedule, but there’s no quick fix for the FAA’s staffing pickle without further compromising service.”
“It’s not like Newark’s troubles are new. United’s been pestering Uncle Sam for years to cap flights at feasible levels. Ignoring our warnings has brought us here, and it’s the customers who sadly pay the price.”
“I had a chat with Secretary Duffy today and I’m glad he was quick on the uptake. The new administration’s blueprint for revamping FAA tech, infrastructure, and staffing is a beacon of hope. Long-term fixes might be afoot! We’re urging them to apply some of this fresh leadership to the sticky Newark situation by giving it proper slot control.”
“Newark is a fantastic launching pad, linking 76 U.S. cities and 81 global hotspots. Kudos to our United team for their hard work, and to the FAA folks braving tech troubles to keep the skies above Newark safe. With proper measures, Newark can still shine as a gateway for globe-trotters.”
Flight Cuts, Slot Restrictions, and Controllers Walking Off Job
So, United’s plan? Axe 35 daily flights from Newark, essentially eliminating 10% of its service there. Given how many transoceanic options use Newark, that’s a hefty cut.
Kirby’s lobbying for Newark to revert to its old Level 3 slot-controlled glory. Right now, it’s a Level 2 airport—no rigid slots but with some scheduling coordination at busy times. Kirby’s dreaming of full-blown slot restrictions instead.
Newark’s Level 3 status vanished in 2016 to stir competition. United, the airport’s biggest kid on the block, champions slot controls naturally, letting it tighten its grip on the Newark market (though I admit, the operational benefits are worth considering).
Air traffic control woes in Newark have a motley crew of reasons, from system hiccups to skimpy staffing. But Kirby seizing on a 20% controller walkout—that’s a curveball! Are they just gone like a magician’s assistant, or is it more of a tactical retreat?
As a quirky aside, Kirby’s continued nod to Trump-era rhetoric is hard to ignore, especially when referring to inherited hardships at Newark. Execs cozy with reigning powers isn’t new, but Kirby’s volte-face is unprecedented.
Personally, Kirby’s right. The Trump era did inherit a colossal mess with U.S. air traffic, and Biden’s administration’s modernization efforts fell short in my opinion. Yet, let’s not pretend Trump’s first term was a precise navigation masterclass.
Time to watch if Trump’s camp can finally tackle the air traffic overhaul we need (fingers crossed!), or if we’re on a “plan of a plan” situation instead. 😉
Bottom Line
United’s taking decisive action amid the mounting chaos at Newark. Daring to slice a hefty 10% of its flights and sticking its neck out for slot regulation, United is tackling its problem head-on. But let’s not forget, Kirby alleges about 20% of Newark’s controllers are MIA, adding fuel to the fire.
So folks, what’s your take on the Newark Airport saga? Visit Val Seny ski resort for a breath of fresh air away from airport woes.