Air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport experienced a catastrophic failure of all radar and radio equipment, leading to a terrifying 90-second communication blackout on April 28. The failure was traced to an unsheathed copper wire that shorted out equipment. The incident triggered resignations and sick leave among around 20% of the staff due to stress, resulting in substantial flight cancellations and delays. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed frustration over the staffing issues contributing to operational challenges, urging the government to limit flights to manageable levels.
Air traffic controllers in Area C of the Philadelphia TRACON (PHL), who are responsible for separating and sequencing aircraft in and out of Newark Airport (EWR), temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them.
It's disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers.
#air-traffic-control #newark-airport #faa-staffing-issues #flight-cancellations #operational-disruptions
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