NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — United Airlines is removing 35 round trip flights per day from its schedule as construction, FAA staffing issues and technology problems continue to leave thousands of customers with hourslong delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, CEO Scott Kirby said Friday.
The change axes 10% of the airline’s daily schedule at the New Jersey airport.
“It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” Kirby wrote in a statement to passengers.
As of 4 p.m. on Friday, Newark Airport experienced 330 delayed flights and 20 cancellations, according to FlightAware. Arriving flights are expecting delays of up to two hours, while departures are sitting at delays of around one hour.
The FAA explained Friday that air traffic controller shortages are one reason behind the issues, along with ongoing construction as crews resurface one of the airport’s three runways.
“The FAA is slowing arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport due to runway construction at Newark and staffing issues at Philadelphia TRACON, which guides aircraft in and out of the airport,” a FAA spokesperson said.
The delays and United decision follow a strenuous week at Newark Airport, including a ground stop Monday afternoon over an equipment outage.