Radio Outages Plague Newark Airport, Sparking Scrutiny of Aging Air Traffic Control System

Newark Liberty International Airport, a major travel hub, is facing increased scrutiny following a series of air traffic control incidents. A brief radio communication failure occurred at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages flights in and out of Newark, further compounding concerns about the reliability of the air traffic control system.

The recent incident, lasting only two seconds, temporarily disrupted radio frequencies. The FAA assured that aircraft separation was maintained, and operations have resumed normally. However, this event adds to a growing list of telecommunication disruptions at the facility since late April.

The initial outage on April 28, involving both radio and radar, led to communication breakdowns with incoming flights, forcing numerous diversions. The aftermath saw several air traffic controllers taking medical leave due to stress, exacerbating existing staffing shortages and equipment problems.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the aging air traffic control infrastructure. He warned that similar incidents could occur nationwide due to the outdated nature of the system.

The FAA is taking steps to mitigate the issues. An emergency task force, including experts from L3Harris Technologies and Verizon, has been formed to investigate and prevent further telecommunication failures at the Philadelphia TRACON facility. Additionally, the FAA is considering temporary flight reductions at Newark Airport.

Proposed arrival rates could be capped at 28 flights per hour through mid-June, while runway construction is underway, and 34 flights per hour afterward, until late October. This measure aims to alleviate overscheduling and reduce delays and cancellations.

The FAA acknowledges that Newark Airport's current scheduled operations exceed its capacity. CEO Scott Kirby, in a letter to United Airlines employees, revealed that the airport is designed for 77 departures and arrivals per hour at its peak, but airlines regularly schedule more.

A Government Accountability Office report revealed that the FAA utilizes 138 information systems for air traffic control, with 51 being unsustainable due to outdated functionality and lack of spare parts. Officials propose investing billions to modernize the air traffic control system over the next few years.

The FAA has initiated work on adding redundant telecommunications equipment and is committed to increasing air traffic controller staffing levels. Nationwide, the agency is significantly below targeted staffing levels, with the Newark area particularly affected.