FAA Limits Newark Flights: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is imposing new flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport, capping the number of arriving flights to 28 per hour. The move comes amid concerns over operational efficiency, congestion, and safety risks at one of the nation's busiest airports.
Why It Matters
The limitations address chronic delays and overcrowding that have plagued Newark for years. FAA officials say the new arrival cap will help reduce air traffic congestion and improve runway management. The decision affects domestic and international carriers and may lead to schedule adjustments across major airlines.
Passengers ride the air train at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025.
Passengers ride the air train at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025.What to Know
Starting in October 2025, Newark will be limited to 28 scheduled arrivals and 28 departures per hour during peak periods. This formalizes and slightly reduces the previous voluntary targets that airlines and the FAA set to manage flow into the airport.
Unlike LaGuardia and JFK, Newark is not designated as a "slot-controlled" airport, meaning airlines are not assigned specific takeoff and landing slots. Instead, the FAA uses schedule coordination to manage traffic, a step short of complete slot control.
Air carriers operating out of Newark are expected to modify their schedules accordingly. The FAA noted it would work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to coordinate implementation and ensure minimal disruption to passengers.
Runway maintenance and infrastructure improvements are also driving the FAA's decision. Officials cited limited runway availability and the need to accommodate traffic while ongoing work is completed safely. The cap may cause schedule shifts not only at Newark but also at connecting hubs. Travelers may see itinerary changes, especially during high-demand times, as airlines adapt to fewer arrival windows.
Newark has faced a difficult month due to multiple problems, including outages of radar and radio systems at the FAA's Philadelphia air traffic control center. These disruptions caused a sharp rise in flight delays and cancellations. To address this, federal authorities are implementing fiber optic improvements and developing a new radar center in Philadelphia to reduce the reliance on New York's outdated infrastructure.
What People Are Saying
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau in a statement: "Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System."
What Happens Next
The FAA will closely monitor the new cap's impact and could make further adjustments based on operational data and stakeholder input. Meanwhile, passengers traveling through Newark in late 2025 and beyond should prepare for possible flight time changes and limited options during peak hours.
The construction is slated to end on June 15; however, it will resume on Saturdays until the end of this year.
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