Blackouts And Delays: A Veteran Air Traffic Controller Sounds The Alarm On Newark Airport

Michael

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Blackouts and Delays: A Veteran Air Traffic Controller Sounds the Alarm on Newark Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), a major East Coast hub, is facing a critical situation, according to a veteran air traffic controller who has raised serious concerns about increasing blackouts and resulting flight delays. These disruptions are not isolated incidents, but rather a pattern indicative of underlying infrastructure problems threatening the safety and efficiency of air travel.

The unnamed controller, with over two decades of experience at EWR, spoke to us under condition of anonymity, citing fears of reprisal. Their account paints a concerning picture of aging equipment and insufficient investment in vital infrastructure. "We're operating on outdated technology," they stated, "and it's only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs."

Frequent Power Outages and Their Impact

The controller described multiple instances of partial and complete power blackouts within the air traffic control tower and surrounding facilities. These blackouts, even if brief, cause significant disruption. They lead to:

• Ground stops: Flights are unable to land or depart during a blackout, leading to lengthy queues and cascading delays.
• Increased workload: Controllers must manually manage traffic during outages, increasing stress levels and the potential for human error.
• Safety concerns: Loss of radar and communication systems during a blackout poses significant risks to aircraft and passengers.
• Economic losses: Delays translate to massive financial repercussions for airlines, passengers, and the airport itself.

The controller highlighted a recent incident where a partial blackout caused a 3-hour ground stop, impacting hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers. This incident, they argue, is symptomatic of a much larger problem.

Aging Infrastructure and Lack of Investment

The veteran controller emphasized the critical need for modernization of EWR's air traffic control systems. They pointed to outdated equipment as a major contributing factor to the blackouts and delays. "We need upgrades, not patches," they stated, urging authorities to allocate sufficient funds for essential infrastructure improvements. This includes:

• Investing in redundant power systems: Implementing backup generators and power sources to minimize the impact of outages.
• Upgrading communication systems: Modernizing radar and communication technologies to ensure reliable operation.
• Improving training and staffing levels: Ensuring air traffic controllers are adequately trained and supported to manage high-pressure situations.

The FAA's Response and Calls for Action

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet issued a public statement directly addressing these specific allegations, they have acknowledged ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control infrastructure nationwide. However, critics argue that these efforts are not happening fast enough, particularly at busy hubs like Newark.

This situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of EWR's infrastructure and operational procedures. Passengers, airlines, and aviation safety advocates alike must demand immediate action to prevent future disruptions and ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel at Newark Liberty International Airport.

What are your thoughts on this developing situation at Newark Airport? Share your opinions in the comments below. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. For more on aviation news and safety, check out our other articles [link to related article on site].