US EditionWSJ: Veteran air-traffic controller speaks out about staffing and tech problems amid blackouts and delays at Newark airport
- Veteran air traffic controller Jonathan Stewart, supervising Philadelphia TRACON that guides Newark flights, spoke out amid frequent blackouts and delays in spring 2025.
- The issues stem from chronic understaffing, with only 24 of 38 controller positions filled and recent 90-second radar and radio outages worsening pressures on controllers.
- Stewart averted a nose-to-nose potential mid-air collision on May 4 during a blackout and says the high-stress environment requires more resources for safe operations.
- The FAA has established a special task force to ensure safe airport operations and announced plans to boost staffing at the Philadelphia facility, with training courses booked through July 2025.
- Authorities convened a meeting with major airlines to discuss limiting flights and reducing cancellations before the summer season, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle understaffing issues at Newark.
18 Articles
18 Articles
WSJ: Veteran air-traffic controller speaks out about staffing and tech problems amid blackouts and delays at Newark airport
A veteran air-traffic controller at the facility that handles flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport is calling for more resources and speaking out about the intense pressures workers face amid a staffing shortage and tech outages.
Air-traffic controller prevents near-disaster near Newark
A Philadelphia-based air traffic controller's quick actions prevented a potentially catastrophic collision between two aircraft near Newark Liberty International Airport in early May. Just The News reports that Jonathan Stewart, a supervisor at the Terminal Radar Approach Control facility in Philadelphia, intervened when two planes were heading toward each other at the same altitude, directing them to alter their courses and avoid disaster. Stew…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
