Newark Liberty International Airport, once a bustling hub for United Airlines on the East Coast, is now a shadow of its former self.
The airport, which was already in a state of disrepair, is now facing a new crisis. An air traffic controller at the airport has issued a stark warning to travelers, advising them to avoid Newark at all costs due to safety concerns.
According to RedState, the air traffic controller reportedly told NBC News correspondent Tom Costello, It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public. This alarming statement was unsolicited, and the controller further advised, Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs.
This warning comes from an individual who works at the airport, making it a significant concern for the 49 million travelers who used the airport in 2024, and the countless others who rely on it as a major hub in the New York City area.
The airport has been grappling with a series of delays and cancellations, causing chaos and frustration for travelers. This is not the first time the airport has faced criticism. In the past, it has been called out for its broken escalators, non-functional elevators, and lack of cleanliness. Despite United's concourse being remodeled, the rest of the airport has been described as a dump.
The situation at Newark Liberty has worsened due to a significant reduction in air traffic controllers. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby revealed that the airport has lost 20% of its air controllers in recent weeks, stating they had walked off the job. This has led to United Airlines, which uses Newark as its primary East Coast hub, to cancel 35 roundtrip flights daily to protect its customers.
Kirby further elaborated on the situation, saying, This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, its 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. This statement raises an important question: How many other airports are facing similar staffing issues?
The decline of Newark Liberty is a sad sight, especially for those who have fond memories of the airport. The airport, which offers a view of the world's most famous city skyline, is surrounded by a neighborhood that has been deteriorating for years.
Despite this, one would expect an airport, a facility heavily regulated by the federal government, to be adequately staffed and well-maintained. However, Newark Liberty has been failing in these aspects for years, and the situation seems to be worsening.
The issue of air traffic controllers walking off the job is a serious one. It is a clear indication that the job may not be attractive enough for skilled and qualified individuals who can find less stressful, better-paying work elsewhere.
The solution seems simple - increase the pay to attract more skilled, qualified people. However, this needs to be done swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Newark Liberty and potentially other airports facing similar issues.
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