A ground stop has been enforced at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to a shortage of personnel. This action coincides with the conclusion of runway testing for certification by June 10.
The airport has been facing cancellations and delays because of insufficient air traffic controllers, further complicated by issues at the Philadelphia control center. The current hourly capacity of 28 arrivals and departures is expected to increase to 34 following the opening of the new runway.
Newark Liberty International Airport has been under scrutiny as its delay and cancellation rates soared after an incident on April 28 when communications were lost at the Philadelphia-based air traffic control (ATC). Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer called for an investigation as EWR staff worked to restore normal operations, according to NPR.