Press Release: Newark Airport Radar Failure Sparks Urgent Calls for Air Traffic Control Overhaul
May 9, 2025 – Newark, NJ — Newark Liberty International Airport experienced another radar failure on Friday, raising alarm about the aging air traffic control system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that radar went offline for 90 seconds early in the morning, reminiscent of an earlier outage on April 28 that resulted in significant flight cancellations and delays.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt identified the latest glitch as stemming from the same underlying issues that have persisted in the system. The FAA indicated that traffic management will be re-evaluated to mitigate disruptions while critical staffing shortages remain, as there are currently only 20 air traffic controllers on duty in Newark when at least 60 are necessary.
Calls from officials, including U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Josh Gottheimer, emphasize the need for immediate repair and a comprehensive overhaul of air traffic systems across the nation. They stress that outdated technology, primarily reliant on aging copper wiring, poses safety risks in one of the busiest airspaces. The FAA is currently working on plans to install modern fiber-optic data lines, but the timeline for these improvements remains unclear.
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