If you’re traveling to or from Newark Airport this summer, you may notice that there are fewer flights than normal on Newark Liberty International Airport . Some regularly scheduled flights from United Airlines and others are being canceled. Why is this happening? And how could this affect you?

Let’s be very clear.

What’s the Situation in Newark?

Understanding Newark’s Flight Challenges

Newark Liberty International Airport has been the site of a lot of flight Newark cancellations and delays recently. And this isn’t just bad luck — there really is an issue here.

The air traffic control system that helps guide planes safely in and out of airports is really old. The system crashed on April 28 and caused a lot of delays. Since then the same issue has happened a couple more times.

The system uses radar and radio equipment, and that equipment is no longer working that well. If those tools are having problems, flights will be canceled — the FAA cannot have too many planes flying at a time because it is unsafe.

Why Are the Cancellations Happening in Newark ?

With the issues of the system, Newark the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — the organization that runs air traffic — said it must slow down. They are limiting how many flights can occur per hour at Newark Airport in order to ensure everyone’s safety.

Currently, the airport can only safely accommodate around 24 to 28 flights per hour. Therefore, airlines must reduce their schedules.

United Airlines, the largest carrier at Newark, has already reduced 35 flights a day. And there could be more reductions this summer.

How Does This Impact You?

If you’re flying through Newark, here’s what you can expect:

Fewer flights: You might have less to choose from when you book.

Higher-priced tickets: With less competition, prices may increase.

Delays: Even with less traffic, there could still be delays.

Busy flights: Flights will be busier as fewer planes are in the air.

Early booking and flexibility in flying dates will be a good idea. You can also look for flights from other nearby airports such as LaGuardia or JFK.

What Caused This Problem?

In addition to the outdated equipment, there was also a recent adjustment that contributed to the issue. The FAA relocated some of Newark’s air traffic control functions from Long Island to Philadelphia. But they failed to properly upgrade the technology in the process, which exacerbated the issue.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained that the system has been aged for a long time. He indicated that even President Trump was aware that it required fixing, but the repair did not occur prior to the change in administration. Now the administration is attempting to repair it the correct way.

Repairing air traffic control systems, however, does take time — sometimes years.

What’s Next?

On May 14, a key meeting will take place. Representatives from the FAA, airlines, and Newark Airport will discuss the summer schedule of flights. Further flight reductions will be announced after that.

There also will be an inquiry into what went wrong when the move to Philadelphia was made. The government would like to ensure the same things don’t occur again.

What Should Travelers Do Now?

If you’re planning a summer trip, here are some helpful tips:

Book your flight early: Flights may sell out faster than usual.

Be flexible: Try flying on less busy days or at different times.

Look at other airports: LaGuardia or JFK might have more options.

Check your flight status often: Flights may still change at the last minute.

Arrive early at the airport: Give yourself extra time in case of delays.

Final Thoughts

The cuts in flights at Newark Airport aren’t about penny-pinching — they’re about protecting travelers. The systems that direct airplanes must be seriously updated, and until they are repaired, airlines and the government are going the extra mile.

It’s not great, but the changes are designed to prevent bigger issues down the line.

If you’re traveling this summer, be prepared, be flexible, and monitor your flight notifications. Safe travels!