Struggles persist in maintaining clear communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, according to a new report.
Newark International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, is still facing numerous issues, according to a new report from The New York Times. Despite upgrades made by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), some of the same equipment issues that hampered controllers in the spring have remained.
The report claims that controllers overseeing Newark's traffic have at times found it hard to communicate with pilots in the air, leading to concerns about the safety and efficiency of the airport's operations. The FAA has committed to sending new equipment and resources to Newark International Airport in April, but it seems that these efforts have yet to fully address the ongoing challenges.
The Times interviewed five people with knowledge of the air traffic control center who said that recent improvements had not abated ongoing concerns. The airport lost communication with regional planes for about 90 seconds in April, which is a concerning incident that highlights the need for continued improvement.
United Airlines cancelled dozens of flights out of Newark International Airport in April, and the government currently has 21 certified controllers at the airport, with one currently on medical leave. This lower staffing compared to last spring could be contributing to the ongoing issues.
The FAA has blamed the Biden administration for the airport's ongoing troubles, stating that the previous administration experienced a significant number of outages at Newark. However, The New York Times did not report on any direct response from the FAA or Newark Airport at the time of publication.
Gizmodo reached out to the FAA and Newark Airport for comment regarding the airport's troubles, but there has been no official response as of yet. The Times' report also mentions that the effort to boost attendance is reportedly hurting already-sagging morale among controllers, which could further complicate the situation.
The government suggested extending an order that limited the rate of arrivals and departures at Newark International Airport in August. New managers at the airport, appointed after technology glitches, have been denying requests for time off from controllers and their supervisors, which could be exacerbating the already challenging working conditions.
Trump's transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, admitted to switching his wife's flight to avoid having her fly out of Newark. This admission adds to the growing concerns about the airport's operations and the FAA's management of the situation.
As the situation at Newark International Airport continues to evolve, it is crucial for the FAA and the airport authorities to address the ongoing issues and ensure the safety and efficiency of the airport's operations. The public and the travelling community will be closely watching the developments at Newark International Airport in the coming months.
