The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended the limitations on arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) through late October of next year, a decision made after discussions with the airport and airlines.
Scott Kirby, United’s CEO, made an official statement on Friday praising the move: “Thanks to Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford for their leadership in finalizing these capacity reductions for the upcoming seasons – Newark is running better than ever and operating at a level on par with the other major New York City area airports.
“Now that airline schedules match the actual capacity at EWR, things will only get better as we head into the fall and winter seasons and we look forward to continuing to work with DOT and FAA on a long-term solution to manage the airport’s capacity.”
The airport’s original order on limiting flights was issued in June following several technological errors that left thousands of passengers impacted, along with heavy construction that has reduced the airport’s ability to fly its regularly sized schedule.
This new order would increase the hourly flight limit for Newark from 68 to 72 through October 24, 2026. The increase will begin October 26, 2025.
Runway 4L-22R is still being worked on during the weekend, when the runway is closed to operations.
Beyond the extension of the flight limitations, the FAA has improved technology at the airport, installing a new fiber optic communications network between New York and Philadelphia TRACON, deployed a temporary satellite backup system and established a STARS hub at Philadelphia TRACON so it no longer relies on the New York hub.
Philadelphia TRACON Area C, which directs air traffic in and out of Newark, is also now fully staffed.
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