Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs outside New York City, is experiencing increasing flight delays. The culprit? A shortage of air traffic controllers.
Travelers passing through Newark have noticed longer wait times and more frequent delays. According to industry analysts and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the problem stems from a growing gap between retiring air traffic controllers and the number of new recruits entering the field.
Air traffic control is known to be a highly stressful job, leading to higher rates of retirement. However, training new controllers is a lengthy process, and the current rate of hiring isn’t keeping up with the demand.
“We are facing a significant challenge in maintaining adequate staffing levels,” said a spokesperson from the FAA. “Efforts are underway to recruit and train new controllers, but it will take time to bridge the gap.”
The shortage not only affects Newark but is a nationwide issue impacting airports across the U.S. The FAA and industry stakeholders are exploring solutions to address the shortage and minimize disruptions for travelers.
