United Airlines cutting 35 flights per day from Newark Airport as problems persist

Delays persisted Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport.

According to FlightAware, there have been at least 302 delays and 80 cancellations so far today.

This comes a day after United Airlines announced they’d be cutting 35 flights per day from Newark due to persistent equipment and staffing issues. 

“It’s now clear – and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,” United CEO Scott Kirby said. “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.”

Saturday afternoon, some arriving flights were delayed by more than three hours. Departures were delayed up to 45 minutes. 

“As a passenger it is frustrating”

There have been over 800 delays and 150 cancellations at Newark since Tuesday. 

Late this week, 20% of air traffic controllers in Philadelphia walked off the job, frustrated with equipment outages and staffing shortages, a source familiar with the situation told CBS News. The Philly air traffic control center oversees the airspace in Newark.

On Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled plans to revamp the decades-old air traffic control system, saying details will be revealed this coming week. 

“I’m coming out with a plan that’s gonna build a brand new air traffic control system, state of the art, gold plated, envy of the world, touching every phase of the systems that air traffic controllers use. We’re gonna lay fiber, we’re gonna get new radar, new radios, new ground sensors,” Duffy said.

In the meanwhile, travelers at Newark Airport are annoyed. 

“As a passenger it is frustrating when you are hoping for a seamless and smooth day,” Lisa Tarter said. 

“Supposedly my sister-in-law waited on the tarmac for about three and a half hours yesterday,” said Michael Harbert.

“I took Spirit here, but I think I might have a United flight on the way back and I hope it’s not canceled,” another traveler said.