With many of our worldwide readers traveling this summer, we felt it was imperative we post an update on what is transpiring at Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey, USA, that may impact travel plans. When flying back to the US from anywhere in the world, we may have a layover in Newark.
Fortunately, for our upcoming flight in 12 days, our layover will be in London, but unfortunately, it will last nine hours. We’d rather have such a long layover than be stuck in an airport due to technical or infrastructural issues, especially when we don’t know when we’ll be in the air again.
Thus, today’s less-than-exciting post aims to alert those who have booked or are booking travel plans to be aware of potential delays and, if possible, reroute to other airports. This may be an added issue with many flights booked as non-refundable/non-changeable, but it never hurts to check to determine your options. As the Travel and Leisure online magazine article indicates below, “Some airlines are offering free flight changes for travelers who are nervous about flying into the hub.”
“Newark Airport Faces Another Radar Outage (Again)—What Travelers Should Know
By Michael Cappetta, Published on May 9, 2025
- Another outage of air traffic control radar and communications equipment happened at Newark Airport in the early hours of May 9.
- The airport has been struggling with mass delays and cancellations after a similar outage on April 28.
- Some airlines offer free flight changes for travelers nervous about flying into the hub.
Just days after air traffic control communications and staffing levels caused cancellations and delays at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), an FAA spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure that there has been another communications outage at the New Jersey airport.
“There was a telecommunications outage that impacted communications and radar display at Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which guides aircraft in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport airspace,” an FAA spokesperson shared in a statement to T+L. ”The outage occurred around 3:55 a.m. on Friday, May 9, and lasted approximately 90 seconds.”
According to FlightAware data, several commercial and cargo flights landed between 3:07 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. EDT; however, no safety or mechanical issues have been reported on those flights.
“That’s absolutely terrifying,” one traveler shared in a Reddit post about the recent incidents.
The news comes just days after the FAA acknowledged recent issues and said it would be “slowing arrivals and departures” at the airport to ease congestion and manage safety. The Department of Transportation also said it would be working toward additional hiring of air traffic controllers and technology upgrades of antiquated systems.
“The FAA is taking immediate steps to improve the reliability of operations at Newark Liberty International Airport,” the FAA said. “This includes accelerating technological and logistical improvements and increasing air traffic controller staffing.”
Airlines are providing additional flexibility with travel waivers for travelers who feel uncomfortable flying into Newark Airport. For example, passengers on United Airlines booked to fly to or through Newark from May 6, 2025, to May 23, 2025, can reschedule their trip or fly to nearby airports such as LaGuardia (LGA) or Philadelphia (PHL), according to a recent advisory.
JetBlue also offers a waiver on flights through May 14 and the option to rebook to fly to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).”
Let’s face it…long flights with unforeseen flight delays can seriously affect the joys of traveling and those traveling for business and personal reasons. Each time we embark on a long flight, we can’t help but keep our fingers crossed that all goes as planned, safely arriving at our destination without incident.
It’s easy to get caught up in horrific stories from the zealous media, which often create stress and fear for flyers. We make every attempt to travel with confidence, tolerance, and patience.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 12, 2015:
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| This morning’s view from our lanai in Priceville, Kauai, while it rained off and on. For more photos, please click here. |