US-Bound Flights To Be Affected As Major Airport Moves To Cut Congestion | Details – News18

Last Updated:May 21, 2025, 10:16 is

The FAA has limited Newark Liberty International Airport to 56 flights per hour due to runway construction and staffing shortages, causing potential delays.

Travellers flying to the United States via Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the major gateways serving New York City, should brace for possible flight delays and schedule changes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a government agency that regulates and oversees civil aviation in the US, has issued a new order to reduce the number of arrivals and departures at Newark, aiming to ease severe congestion caused by runway construction, staffing shortages, and technical disruptions that have affected operations for weeks.

Effective immediately, the FAA has limited the airport to 56 flights per hour during ongoing runway renovations, which are scheduled to continue daily until June 15. After this period, flight capacity will be allowed to increase to 68 per hour until October 25, except on Saturdays when restrictions will remain due to continued construction. Normally, Newark can accommodate up to 77 flights per hour.

The move comes after weeks of frequent delays, some exceeding five hours, and numerous cancelled or rescheduled flights. Newark’s air traffic control has been operating under significant pressure due to a shortage of certified controllers, currently staffed at just 24 out of the 38 required. The situation worsened when radio communications and radar systems experienced outages, leading to several controllers taking trauma leave.

The FAA has been conducting ongoing consultations with major airlines such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways to find a workable balance between reducing flight operations and meeting passenger demand. United Airlines, which operates nearly 70% of Newark’s flights, has already voluntarily reduced its schedule and supports the FAA’s new restrictions.

For Indian passengers traveling via Newark to the US, these developments could mean longer wait times and potential disruptions. Passengers are advised to check flight status regularly and planning for possible delays.

Air India operates multiple daily flights connecting India to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Specifically, there are 12 flights per day from Newark to Delhi, with varying frequencies. Additionally, Air India offers flights from Newark to other Indian cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

(with inputs from CNN, Reuters)

Location :

New York, United States of America (USA)

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