The FAA is slowing air traffic into Newark Airport as a result of staffing shortages the day before the peak Thanksgiving travel begins, according to the FAA website.
The ground delay program at Newark is in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday. The delay advisory from the FAA says delays are averaging 95 minutes and could go up to 165 minutes.
Under the advisory for the reason for the delays: “IMPACTING CONDITION: STAFFING / STAFFING; COMMENTS: PHL AREA C STAFFING.”
According to Flight Aware, 190 flights into or out of Newark Airport are delayed on Tuesday as of 5 p.m.
Three of United Airlines’ regional shuttles from Washington Reagan airport (DCA) instead Newark on Tuesday evening are showing delays ranging from 15 minutes to nearly two hours. NBC New York has reached out to United Airlines for comment on how the FAA-imposed delays are impacting its operations.
The delays come as the Thanksgiving travel period is set to enter its peak days. The Transportation Security Administration said it expects to screen a record 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 though Monday, Dec. 2. AAA said it projects 5.84 million people will fly domestically this holiday season.
Air traffic staffing shortages have led to delays in the New York area in recent weeks.
Hundreds of flights into Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday dealt with delays as a result of the continued staffing issues. There were nearly 300 flight delays in all, mostly for planes arriving at Newark.
In a statement to NBC New York on Monday, the FAA said, “The FAA is slowing traffic into Newark Liberty International Airport due to staffing issues at the Philadelphia TRACON (PHL).” Some of Newark’s air traffic controllers are based in Philadelphia, explaining why the staffing shortages would impact the airport that is closer to New York City.
The FAA suggests passengers visit https://nasstatus.faa.gov/ for the latest air traffic information. Passengers should also check with their airline for the latest status of their flights into or out of the New York area.
