The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed another dangerous radio outage at Newark Liberty International Airport, exposing how the Biden administration’s neglect has left America’s air traffic control system in a state of dangerous decay.
Key Takeaways
- Newark Liberty International Airport experienced another radio frequency outage, just one in a series of technical failures exposing critical infrastructure weaknesses.
- The air traffic control system is severely understaffed at Newark, with only 24 certified controllers out of a targeted 38, forcing flight reductions.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has criticized the former Biden administration’s neglect while pledging to invest tens of billions in a new state-of-the-art system under President Trump.
- The FAA has installed software updates to prevent further outages, but acknowledges similar failures could occur nationwide due to outdated systems.
- Five air traffic controllers took 45-day trauma leave following an April incident, further straining an already understaffed system.
Critical Safety Concerns at America’s Major Hub
The latest two-second radio frequency outage at Newark Liberty International Airport has triggered an FAA investigation, revealing the precarious state of America’s air traffic control infrastructure. This incident follows multiple telecom failures, including a significant April 28 outage that forced flight diversions and exposed dangerous vulnerabilities in the system. Newark’s airspace control was transferred to Philadelphia last year to address chronic staffing and congestion issues, but these band-aid solutions have failed to resolve the underlying problems of aging infrastructure and insufficient personnel.
The situation has prompted the FAA to convene an emergency task force focused on preventing further telecom outages at Newark. Meanwhile, the agency has acknowledged that Newark’s air traffic control area remains critically understaffed, with only 24 certified controllers against a target of 38, creating a dangerous situation for travelers and airline crews. To address the unsustainable operations, the FAA has begun discussions with major U.S. airlines about implementing temporary flight reductions at the busy transportation hub.
🇺🇸 FAA: 4TH OUTAGE AT NEWARK AIRPORT—PLANES SAFE, NERVES FRAYED
The FAA has confirmed yet another system outage—number 4, if you’re keeping score—at the facility guiding planes in and out of Newark Liberty International.
At 11:35 a.m., the Philadelphia control tower dropped… https://t.co/o4DJLZ3EHz pic.twitter.com/k6FIg6vlwh
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 19, 2025
Biden’s Legacy of Neglect
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has not minced words about who bears responsibility for the current crisis. The former Biden administration’s failure to prioritize critical infrastructure upgrades has left the entire air traffic control system vulnerable to catastrophic failures. When the recent Newark outage occurred, the FAA was forced to implement a ground delay due to the compounding issues of equipment failures and staff shortages. The April incident was so traumatic that five controllers took 45-day leave, further crippling operations at one of America’s busiest airports.
“Under President Trump, America is building again. Today we are seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a brand new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system,” said Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary.
Duffy specifically called out the previous administration’s work-from-home policies that prevented leadership from addressing critical aviation safety issues. “Maybe when you work from home, or maybe when you work from Michigan as a secretary, maybe you’re not focused on the real issues that are taking place throughout the airspace,” Duffy stated, highlighting how the previous administration’s priorities were misaligned with the nation’s infrastructure needs. The FAA has now installed software updates to prevent further radio outages, but this represents only a stopgap measure for a system in desperate need of overhaul.
Systemic Failures Requiring Major Reform
The current U.S. air traffic control system is plagued by obsolete technology, crumbling facilities, and insufficient staffing. Recent incidents, including a midair collision and nationwide flight groundings, demonstrate the dire consequences of continued neglect. According to aviation experts, the existing ATC technology “is like time travel for pilots,” said Scott McCartney, highlighting how controllers still use outdated systems while modern solutions exist.
A safety panel has documented the deteriorating state of ATC facilities and outdated systems across the country. The FAA’s capital budget has steadily decreased over time, with most funds directed toward merely maintaining failing legacy systems rather than implementing modern replacements. The Trump administration’s commitment to invest tens of billions in a complete system overhaul represents the first serious attempt in decades to address these critical infrastructure needs before a more catastrophic failure occurs.
The FAA currently operates with approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers, well below required staffing levels. During a recent congressional hearing, Duffy warned, “We could see other situations like this around the country because the system is old,” reinforcing the nationwide nature of the threat posed by outdated air traffic control infrastructure.
