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Newark Airport Delays: FAA Equipment Outage Causes Major Flight Disruptions
FAA System Failure Triggers Severe Newark Airport Delays – What Travelers Need to Know
A critical FAA equipment outage at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has caused massive flight disruptions, stranding thousands of passengers and creating ripple effects across the U.S air travel network. The Newark Airport delays, which began during the morning rush hour, have now stretched into a full ground stop situation with no immediate resolution in sight. This breakdown in air traffic control systems has led to canceled flights, overflowing terminals, and growing frustration among affected travelers.
Current Status of Newark Airport Delays
Real-Time Impact (As of Latest Update)
Departures: 87% of flights delayed
Arrivals: 72% diverted or holding
Average delay time: 3 hours 42 minutes
Canceled flights: 214 and counting
The FAA confirmed the outage stems from failed ERAM (En Route Automation Modernization) systems that manage northeast airspace. Technicians are working to restore functionality, but Newark Airport delays are expected to persist through the evening.
Breakdown of Affected Flights
| Airline | Canceled | Delayed | Avg. Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| United | 94 | 201 | 4h 15m |
| JetBlue | 37 | 68 | 3h 52m |
| American | 28 | 57 | 3h 08m |
| Delta | 19 | 42 | 2h 47m |
| Spirit | 36 | 29 | 5h 11m |
United Airlines, which operates a hub at Newark Airport, has been hardest hit by the cascading delays.
What Caused the FAA Equipment Failure?
Preliminary reports indicate:
Power surge damaged ERAM servers
Backup systems failed to engage properly
Nearby airports (JFK, LGA) are operating at reduced capacity
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) systems are unaffected
“This level of Newark Airport delays typically only occurs during blizzards or hurricanes,” said former FAA administrator Michael Huerta. “The complete ground stop suggests a catastrophic systems failure.”
Passenger Rights During Newark Airport Delays
Travelers impacted by the delays should know:
Compensation Eligibility
3+ hour delay: Meal vouchers required
Overnight stranding: Hotel accommodations
Canceled flights: Full refunds or rebooking
Proactive Steps
Get the delay documentation from the airline agents
Save all receipts for expense reimbursement
Check credit card trip delay protections
Monitor the FAA/NYC Airports Twitter for updates
Ripple Effects on Other Airports
The Newark Airport delays have created secondary impacts:
| Airport | Impact |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 39% of flights are delayed |
| Boston (BOS) | 28% of flights were delayed |
| Washington-Dulles (IAD) | 33% of flights are delayed |
| Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) | 22% of flights are delayed |
Air traffic controllers are manually routing flights around the affected airspace, creating bottlenecks nationwide.
How Long Will Newark Airport Delays Last?
FAA estimates suggest:
Next 6 hours: Severe disruptions continue
Tonight: Limited operations may resume
Tomorrow AM: 50 %+ of flights still affected
A full return to normal operations could take 48-72 hours as airlines reposition aircraft and crews.
Traveler Alternatives to Avoid Delays
Amtrak – Northeast Corridor trains are running normally
Buses – Peter Pan/Greyhound adding extra routes
Rental Cars – Enterprise/National waiving drop fees
Nearby Airports – Teterboro accepting some diversions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get compensation for Newark Airport delays?
A: Yes – EU261/US DOT rules apply for eligible international flights.
Q: Is this another NOTAM system failure?
A: No – this involves different ERAM routing systems.
Q: Should I go to the airport for my flight?
A: Check your flight status first – most are canceled through tonight.