Key Highlights:
- Flights Grounded: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday afternoon, citing critical “staffing issues.”
- Shutdown Fallout: The staff shortages are a direct result of the ongoing government shutdown, which has forced essential air traffic controllers to work without pay.
- Widespread Delays: Although the initial ground stop was lifted, a ground delay remains in effect, causing average delays of 40 minutes for thousands of passengers.
- A National Problem: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that controller-related staffing shortages caused 44% of flight delays on Sunday, a massive spike from the yearly average.
FAA Grounds Flights at Newark Over Shutdown Crisis
NEWARK, NJ – Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) were thrown into chaos Wednesday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly halted all flights. The agency issued a ground stop at 3 p.m. local time, blaming severe “staffing issues” as the historic government shutdown continues to cripple essential services.
While the initial stop was lifted after about an hour, it was immediately replaced with a ground delay scheduled to last through 11 p.m. The FAA advisory warned passengers to expect average delays of at least 40 minutes, disrupting travel plans for countless people at one of the nation’s busiest hubs.
The Human Cost of the Shutdown
The core of the problem lies with the air traffic controllers, who are deemed “essential” and are required to work grueling hours without receiving a paycheck. Frustration and financial pressure are mounting, leading some controllers to call out sick while others have reportedly taken on second jobs to make ends meet.
This growing crisis is having a measurable impact on the entire US air travel system.
A System at its Breaking Point
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed alarming statistics this week, confirming the public’s worst fears. On Tuesday, he told reporters that staffing shortages among air traffic controllers were directly responsible for a staggering 44% of all flight delays on Sunday and 24% on Monday. These figures represent a dramatic increase from the 5% average seen earlier this year, proving the shutdown’s severe effect on aviation safety and efficiency.
The situation has left travelers furious, with many taking to social media to voice their anger. “The situation at EWR (Newark) is not fixable. This airport needs to be torn down,” one user posted on X, reflecting the sentiment of many stranded passengers.
As the shutdown drags on, the strain on the nation’s aviation infrastructure is becoming undeniable, with Newark Airport serving as the latest high-profile example of the escalating turmoil. Both the FAA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have yet to provide further comment on the developing situation.
Image Referance: https://nypost.com/2025/10/29/us-news/faa-halts-flights-at-embattled-newark-airport-over-shutdown-staffing-issues/