Schumer demands ‘immediate fix’ to address Newark Airport issues
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is demanding U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy “immediately fix the situation at Newark Airport,” following a stretch of travel mishaps and chaos. Schumer expressed his concerns about the ongoing issues at Newark Airport, stating that the current situation is not only unacceptable but also dangerous.
Schumer highlighted the recent incidents at Newark Airport, including radar screens going dark, air traffic controllers unable to communicate with planes, and outdated technology causing significant disruptions. He emphasized that these issues are not just isolated incidents but are indicative of a larger problem within the FAA under the Trump administration.
The chaos at Newark Airport has resulted in hundreds of flight delays and cancellations, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. Schumer urged Secretary Duffy to prioritize fixing the issues at Newark Airport and ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in the region.
According to Schumer, there have been an alarming number of flight cancellations and delays at Newark Airport since mid-April, with delays averaging 85 to 137 minutes. He called for immediate action to address the outdated technology and infrastructure that is causing these disruptions.
Schumer outlined specific steps that need to be taken to improve the situation at Newark Airport, including installing a direct fiber-optic telco line between Newark Airport and the Philadelphia terminal radar approach control center. He emphasized the need for a modernized, direct connection and new computers to analyze and display transmitted data.
In response to Schumer’s concerns, the FAA acknowledged the ongoing flight disruptions at Newark Airport and pledged to work on improving the telecommunications equipment in the New York area. The FAA stated that they are updating their automation system to enhance resiliency and reliability.
Secretary Duffy, however, pushed back on criticism from Democrats, pointing out that the previous administration did not allocate funds for air traffic control infrastructure despite the need for a rebuild. Duffy emphasized that the current administration is working to address these issues and improve air traffic control systems.
As the situation at Newark Airport continues to unfold, Schumer and other lawmakers are calling for swift action to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the region. The FAA’s acknowledgment of the ongoing issues and commitment to improvements is a step in the right direction, but more work needs to be done to prevent future disruptions and ensure the safety of travelers.
