A ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday afternoon disrupted air travel due to staffing shortages, according to reports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flights for 75 minutes between 3 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., with delays persisting at a roughly 40-minute pace afterward. A ground delay remained in effect until 11 p.m.
The crisis follows prolonged government shutdowns, which left air traffic controllers unpaid Tuesday, raising concerns about their ability to manage operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the strain on personnel, noting that some controllers have taken second jobs or called out sick to cope with financial pressures. The FAA has restricted flight schedules at airports facing controller shortages, leading to unpredictable delays across the country.
Recent data showed 44% of Sunday’s flight delays and 24% on Monday were linked to staffing issues, a sharp rise from previous levels. Officials warned that the situation could worsen as absenteeism persists. Newark Airport has faced repeated disruptions this year, including cancellations, technological failures, and construction projects. In May, the FAA reduced flights to ease pressure on overburdened controllers.
The Transportation Department urged immediate action to resolve the crisis, while critics condemned the ongoing government shutdown for exacerbating the fallout.
