The incident halted all departing flights as well. A controller explained on audio that frequency issues and radar outages prevented departures.
Michael McCormick, a certified flight controller and professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, noted that intermittent outages are common across air traffic control systems but usually have backup systems. However, this system lacked such support during the blackout.
Concerns have been voiced by controllers about their equipment's reliability. They believe that the FAA did not ensure a dedicated line for data transmission from New York's radar facility to Philadelphia TRACON, increasing vulnerability to outages.
In response to the incident, several controllers took leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act due to physical or traumatic job-related experiences.
Last year, air traffic control for Newark Airport moved from New York TRACON in Westbury to Philadelphia Tower at Philadelphia International Airport due to understaffing issues in New York. This move led some controllers unwilling to relocate to leave the FAA.
Further complicating matters is an ongoing runway improvement project by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at Newark Liberty Airport, which reduced its capacity by eliminating one of its two main runways.
The complex airspace around New York City involves managing traffic for three major airports—Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia—as well as smaller airports like Teterboro and Morristown.
McCormick commented on these complexities and suggested that recent equipment problems might prompt reconsideration of moving operations to Philadelphia. He also noted that data relay methods used were atypical compared to direct feeds usually employed elsewhere.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced efforts last week aimed at bolstering workforce numbers among air traffic controllers through incentives for experienced individuals alongside increased hiring efforts.
Jason Ambrosi from Air Line Pilots Association emphasized U.S aviation safety relies heavily upon skilled professionals while acknowledging operational challenges highlighting needs addressing outdated technology plus staffing shortages urgently requiring decisive action now safeguarding aviation’s future safety efficiency alike reiterated further supported similarly echoed sentiments Congressman Josh Gottheimer demanding immediate deployment additional personnel addressing severe delays cancellations calling upon both administration Congress provide emergency funding upgrading outdated infrastructure reducing staffing issues noting immense pressure faced daily handling tasks effectively saving lives ultimately remains paramount objective throughout endeavors collectively undertaken jointly shared responsibly toward achieving desired outcomes positively impacting stakeholders involved therein contributing meaningfully progress attained accordingly aligned expectations realized 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