FAA and DOT Plan to Modernize Air Traffic Control After 90-Second Newark Outage Impacts 2,000+ Passengers, United Cancels 35 Flights
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have unveiled a plan to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system, addressing recent challenges highlighted by a series of incidents, including a significant radar and communication outage at Newark Liberty International Airport. The outage, which occurred on April 28, led to a loss of contact with aircraft for up to 90 seconds, affecting over 2,000 passengers and causing widespread delays and cancellations at Newark.
The incident at Newark, managed by the Philadelphia air traffic control facility, has been attributed to antiquated technology and staffing shortages. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has called for immediate action from the FAA, suggesting measures such as limiting flights to 48 per hour during construction, returning Newark to a Level 3 slot-controlled airport to achieve 77 flights per hour, and fully staffing the air traffic control center. The FAA has responded by implementing steps to improve system reliability, including installing three new high-bandwidth communication lines, replacing copper wires with fiberoptic wires, standing up a backup system, and adding a radar data center in Philadelphia. Currently, there are 22 controllers at the Philadelphia facility handling Newark, with 21 controllers and supervisors in training, and the FAA has a 'healthy pipeline' with filled training classes through July 2026.
In response to the crisis, United Airlines has offered free ticket changes for affected passengers, canceling about 35 flights daily due to the ongoing issues. Lawmakers and industry experts have emphasized the urgency of modernizing the air traffic control system, with the FAA routinely approving over 80 flights per hour between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Newark. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), a member of the Modern Skies Coalition which includes over 50 industry organizations, has praised the FAA and DOT's plan, noting its importance for integrating drones and advanced air mobility into the airspace. Congress is urged to act swiftly on the proposed reforms, leveraging the budget reconciliation process and standalone legislation, and implementing key mandates from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Today @FAA & @DOT released their modernized ATC plan. AUVSI supports this step to upgrade aviation systems & workforce.
AUVSI CEO Michael Robbins: “This is key to integrating drones & AAM into the airspace.”
We urge Congress to act. https://t.co/OOlvXBd5Nz
@SecDuffy @FAA_Chris
Today @FAA & @DOT released their modernized ATC plan. AUVSI supports this step to upgrade aviation systems & workforce.
AUVSI CEO @MRobbinsAUVSI: “This is key to integrating drones & AAM into the airspace.”
We urge Congress to act. https://t.co/OOlvXBd5Nz
Today @FAA & @DOT released their modernized ATC plan. AUVSI supports this step to upgrade aviation systems & workforce.
AUVSI CEO @MRobbinsAUVSI: “This is key to integrating drones & AAM into the airspace.”
We urge Congress to act. https://t.co/OOlvXBd5Nz
@FAA_Chris @SecDuffy https://t.co/7w9MoPCalF
