FAA Fixing Problems At Newark Airport While Planning Larger System Overhaul
The Federal Aviation Administration announced plans on Wednesday to upgrade the technology used to provide radar data to air traffic controllers at Newark airport in New Jersey. This upgrade is aimed at addressing issues that have led to numerous flight cancellations at the airport.
Additionally, the agency is working on a comprehensive multibillion-dollar plan to modernize the national air traffic control system, which will be unveiled on Thursday. This initiative comes in the wake of a tragic midair collision in January over Washington, D.C., which raised concerns about aviation safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating that while flying remains the safest mode of transportation, improvements are necessary. The recent problems at Newark highlight the urgent need for a new system.
The radar system used by air traffic controllers in Philadelphia to manage flights at Newark airport experienced a 30-second outage on April 28. To prevent future disruptions, the FAA plans to replace old copper wires with fiber optics and add new data lines between New York and Philadelphia. Efforts are also underway to train and certify additional controllers.
Despite these measures, several controllers at Newark are still on extended leave following the radar outage. As a precaution, the FAA has reduced air traffic at the airport, leading to flight cancellations. United Airlines has also cut back on flights to alleviate the situation.
Duffy reassured the public that safety remains a top priority, even if it means slowing down air traffic. Discussions are ongoing with airlines serving Newark to coordinate flight management strategies.
The FAA is committed to resolving the issues at Newark and aims to see improvements by summer. By addressing these challenges and implementing necessary upgrades, the agency is working towards a safer and more efficient air traffic control system.
