Why are the number of flights reduced at Newark airport in the US?

To ease a wave of cancellations and delays at Newark Liberty international airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has limited the number of hourly arrivals and departures in an effort to reduce congestion for the foreseeable future.

The Department of Transportation has asked the airport – a major hub for United Airlines, which serves New York City – to reduce operations from 77 to 56 departures and arrivals per hour. The change could significantly affect air travellers and carriers that rely on the airport.

Newark has faced numerous challenges that have hindered air traffic and led to this drastic shift. These include a shortage of air traffic controllers, glitches in radio and radar systems, and ongoing runway construction. The FAA says daily construction will end on June 15, after which it will occur only on Saturdays through the end of the year. During non-construction periods, operations will increase to 68 arrivals and departures per hour.

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