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In response to recent issues – and ahead of the upcoming holiday travel blitz – the Federal Aviation Administration announced new actions May 20 at Newark Liberty International Airport.

As NJBIZ has reported, EWR has experienced a slew of issues over the last few weeks. Challenges include air traffic control shortages, equipment failures/outages, runway construction and more. All leading to a nightmare web of delays and cancellations for travelers to navigate.

The FAA issued an interim order, reducing the maximum hourly flight arrival and departure rate from 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour until construction of Runway 4-Left/22-Right is complete. That daily construction ends June 15, 2025, but will continue on Saturdays until the end of the year.

Outside of that construction period, Newark airport will operate with a maximum hourly arrival and departure rate of 34 until Oct. 25, 2025.

The FAA says it will monitor conditions. It may change the targeted limits in either direction, if possible, to accommodate more flights or if further flight reductions are needed.

Earlier this month, United Airlines slashed 35 flights from its daily EWR schedule amid the challenges; and had called on the FAA to take this very action.

The agency also notes other actions such as: adding three new, high-bandwidth telecommunications between the New York-based STARS and the Philadelphia TRACON; replacing copper telecommunications connections with updated fiberoptic technology; deploying a temporary backup system to the Philadelphia TRACON as that fiberoptic switch takes place; establishing a STARS hub at the Philadelphia TRACON; and increasing controller staffing.

“Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System,” said acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau.