Trump Administration Caps Flights in and Out of Newark Airport

U.S.|Trump Administration Caps Flights in and Out of Newark Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday issued new, temporary restrictions on flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport after disruptions caused severe flight delays and cancellations at the congested facility.

In recent weeks, the airport has experienced a series of technology outages, including a sudden failure of radio and radar systems last month; staff shortages among air traffic controllers; and runway construction — problems that, in addition to the delays, have led to increased concerns about passenger safety.

Flights through Newark will be capped at 28 departures and 28 arrivals per hour until June 15, and every weekend from September through December, while runway construction is ongoing, according to the new plan, which the F.A.A. released after meeting with representatives of major airlines.

After that, hourly traffic will be limited to 34 departures and 34 arrivals per hour through Oct. 25.

“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,” Chris Rocheleau, the acting administrator of the F.A.A., said in a statement.

United Airlines, which operates about 70 percent of flights at Newark, welcomed the restrictions.

“Reducing the number of flights scheduled at Newark will help ensure that we can safely and reliably operate the flights that remain on the schedule, which is why we proactively reduced our schedule earlier this month,” the airline said in statement.