United Airlines cancels 35 Newark flights daily due to controller outages

United reduces operations at Newark Airport after FAA equipment failures and controller absences disrupt air traffic.

A United Airlines aircraft is parked at a gate at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 1, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

United Airlines is significantly reducing its flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport, canceling 35 daily round-trip flights starting this weekend. The move, which amounts to more than 10% of United’s daily schedule at the airport, follows a series of technical failures in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) systems and subsequent trauma-related absences among air traffic controllers.

The decision to cancel flights came after several FAA controllers who oversee the critical airspace surrounding Newark took leave following radar and radio outages earlier in the week. According to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, the strain on air traffic operations is too great for the current infrastructure and staffing to manage effectively.

“Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” Kirby said in a statement posted to United’s website. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further disruption to travelers and to support the controllers managing the increasingly fragile system.

FAA equipment failures disrupt thousands of travel plans

Over the past several days, FAA systems used by controllers have experienced repeated malfunctions, resulting in widespread flight delays, numerous diversions, and a cascade of cancellations. Travelers have been left stranded or forced to rebook, with many expressing frustration over the lack of timely updates and contingency plans.

The FAA acknowledged the problems and stated it would remain transparent with the public regarding the operational status of Newark and other affected airports. On Friday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited the FAA’s Philadelphia facility, which manages Newark’s airspace, to assess the situation firsthand and speak with staff.

“It’s unacceptable,” Duffy said on social media platform X. “We are working to harden the system. But this is why it’s critical that we build an all-new air traffic control system.”

The FAA has occasionally slowed incoming and outgoing traffic at Newark due to persistent staffing and equipment challenges. These slowdowns, compounded by the current outages, have exacerbated congestion and led to a domino effect of delays and cancellations across the airline industry.

United seeks flight caps, FAA designation changes for Newark

United Airlines has been vocal in its call for government regulators to limit flights at Newark to a manageable level, one that accurately reflects available staff and functioning technology. Kirby reiterated the airline’s request for the airport to be reclassified as a Level 3 slot-controlled facility—a designation currently applied to New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airports.

Such a classification would introduce a slot coordinator to oversee and manage the allocation of takeoff and landing slots, ensuring a better match between airport capacity and flight schedules. United argues that this change is necessary to prevent the kind of operational chaos seen in recent weeks.

United, which controls approximately 75% of air traffic at Newark, operates an average of 328 daily round-trip flights at the airport. The airline has already adjusted its schedule in recent months to accommodate runway construction and anticipated disruptions, but the latest cutback signals a deeper, more systemic issue.

Continued flight disruption threatens United’s broader strategy

The timing of United Airlines’ Newark flight cancellations is particularly challenging. The airline had planned to launch five new nonstop international routes from the hub this year, expanding its global reach from Newark. The airport is a key pillar in United’s network, offering connections to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations.

However, ongoing disruptions threaten to undermine United’s growth strategy, especially amid signs that demand for air travel is beginning to soften. United recently issued two separate financial forecasts for 2025: one aligned with earlier optimistic projections, and a more conservative version accounting for potential economic downturns.

United’s leadership is under pressure to maintain performance despite these headwinds. By proactively trimming its schedule at Newark, the airline hopes to stabilize operations, minimize customer frustration, and avoid the reputational damage associated with large-scale cancellations.

FAA under scrutiny as controller shortage and tech issues collide

The FAA has faced increasing criticism from airlines and industry analysts alike for failing to modernize its systems and respond to persistent controller shortages. The repeated equipment failures and subsequent trauma leave taken by air traffic controllers highlight the strain placed on a system already stretched thin.

In the fall of 2024, a similar outage prompted several FAA personnel to take leave, citing mental and emotional distress. The recurrence of these problems has sparked concern about the safety and sustainability of current air traffic operations in the Northeast corridor.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the union representing controllers, declined to comment on the latest developments. However, industry experts suggest that more robust support for controllers, upgraded technology, and revised staffing strategies will be essential to prevent future breakdowns.

Future outlook for Newark operations remains uncertain

With air traffic systems in flux and operational confidence shaken, the future of flight operations at Newark remains uncertain. United Airlines cancels Newark flights as a short-term solution, but longer-term strategies are still being developed in coordination with federal officials.

Whether the FAA will act on United’s call for Level 3 slot designation or other structural changes remains to be seen. For now, passengers traveling through Newark are advised to check their flight status frequently, prepare for delays, and consider alternative airports where possible.

The broader implications of these disruptions extend beyond one airline or one airport. As the aviation industry grapples with aging infrastructure, staffing challenges, and fluctuating demand, Newark has become a flashpoint in a national conversation about the future of air travel in the United States.