why newark airport delays

Newark Liberty International Airport has been experiencing significant delays primarily due to air traffic control communication and equipment issues. Recent disruptions included temporary ground stops caused by the loss of radio frequencies for controllers, which affected incoming flights and led to average delays of over two hours. The FAA has also limited the number of flights arriving at Newark to manage these problems safely, reducing capacity from the normal 40-42 flights per hour down to 28, further contributing to delays. Underlying the equipment problems are long-standing strain factors like staffing shortages for air traffic controllers, technological failures, and spatial limitations of Newark airport facilities. These issues have been persistent, with incidents of radar and communication outages at the Philadelphia TRACON center that controls Newark airspace. Additionally, Newark is managing runway closures and increased demand during peak travel periods like Labor Day weekend, compounding the delays travelers face. The FAA and airlines are investigating and taking steps like reducing flights to improve the situation, but delays remain a major challenge.