Newark ATC Failures Led to Need for Controller Trauma Leave, FAA Says | Aviation International News

FAA: Newark ATC Failures Prompt Controller Trauma Leave

Agency reiterates need for tech upgrades after Newark failures

Newark Airport in the New York City area experienced significant disruption. — © Newark International Airport

By Amy Wilder • Writer

May 6, 2025

A system outage on April 28 left air traffic controllers unable to see or communicate with aircraft arriving into Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) for more than a minute, contributing to widespread delays, staffing gaps, and a reduced flight schedule at the busy New Jersey hub.

The 90-second lapse in radar and radio contact occurred at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (Tracon) facility, which manages arrivals and departures at Newark. The disruption was reported by Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources familiar with the incident, and later confirmed by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and FAA. Multiple controllers were placed on trauma leave following the blackout, leaving the facility short-staffed during a week of cascading delays.

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