Another technological interruption on Early Friday plagued the installation of the Federal Aviation Administration that governs airspace at the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the agency said, which caused the control of air traffic to lose radar and communications for approximately 90 seconds.
It is the latest in a series of ATC -related equipment and personnel problems They have growed trips in NewarkOne of the three largest airports that serve the New York City area.
The delays continued to accumulate on Friday, with the passengers facing the ground delays of up to four hours, according to FAA data. That was after almost half of all flights to Newark were delayed on Thursday, by Flightware.
Amid the problems, United Airlines asked this week more significant flight cuts in its main center as the summer trip advanced.
Delayed or canceled flight? This is what you should do below
Another interruption of FAA
Friday’s interruption caused another heartbreaking communications in the FAA Philadelphia Air Traffic Control Center that directs the flow of airplanes in EWR.
Fortunately, it happened just before 4 AM edt on Friday, when few planes took off or landed at the airport.
The interruption of communications occurred less than two weeks after another interruption of the important equipment that was so stressful for the controllers that a handful left later, which reduced the levels of personnel already scarce in the facilities, which contributed to the thousands of flight delays that have affected Newark passengers in recent weeks.
United requests changes in EWR
Newark already faced capacity limitations due to a construction project on its busiest track. It is also prone to the spring storms known for interrupting the flight schedules full at this time of year.
Daily Bulletin
Reward your entrance tray with the TPG Diario Bulletin
Join more than 700,000 readers to receive news, in -depth guides and exclusive agreements of TPG experts
In letter For employees this week, the United CEO, Scott Kirby, said that Chicago headquarters planned to ask the United States Department of Transportation to adjust the restrictions on airlines in EWR.
Kirby said FAA should reduce the amount of flight per allowed at the airport by up to 40% until the main project of the runway ends (in mid -June, if everything goes as expected).
United calls for slot controls in Newark
This week, Kirby also asked DOT to permanently restore tragamoneas restrictions in Newark, similar to regulations currently in force at the nearby John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Laguardia Airport (LGA) in New York.
This movement would essentially limit the amount of takeoff and landings allowed at the airport and limit airlines to an established assignment of flights that would have to use or lose.
United previously announced plans to temporarily reduce 35 daily round trips from EWR in the middle of the in progress, arguing that the airport simply cannot handle its full schedule.
But other airlines have historically added flights when United has voluntarily reduced their schedule, airline executives argued in a call with journalists on Friday.
It was not clear how seriously the Trump administration planned to consider United’s request. (A DOT spokesman did not immediately respond to the request for TPG comments).
Newark had the most adjusted slot controls of the FAA in its place as recently as in the mid -2010. Currently, that “Level 3“The designation (the highest level assigned to an airport) is in the hands of three US airports full of people where FAA believes that demand exceeds the capacity: JFK, LGA and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on the outskirts of Washington, DC
Newark is currently appointed to “Level 2“Airport controlled by capacity, which imposes less strict restrictions on the number of take -offs and landings during peak periods.
Grooves at the airport, explained: What are and how do their flights affect?
Proposals ATC reforms
As the travel disaster continued to develop in EWR this week, the Trump administration proposed radical updates to the nation’s outdated air traffic control equipment and facilities, much of which dates back to half a century or more.
Flanked by the CEO of the largest American airlines, the Secretary of Transportation of the United States, Sean Duffy, detailed on Thursday a plan To replace the radar and communications equipment, create new air traffic control centers and check hardware and software controllers.
A project of this size would require the approval of Congress. On Thursday, a group of airlines, unions and organizations of the Higher Industry asked the Federal Government to face more than $ 30 billion in the next three or four years to address air traffic control problems.
What should you do if you are flying inside or out of Newark?
But none of that, or the years you will take Realting air traffic control personnel Return to par: It will be very helpful in the coming months, including the weekend of the Fallen Day, which is now only two weeks away.
On social networks on Friday, the founder of TPG Brian Kelly They warned travelers who do not leave Newark “unless it is absolutely inevitable until the situation is under control.”
Flight change opportunities
Meanwhile, multiple airlines have issued travel exemptions for reserved passengers on Newark flights.
United, for example, plans to give up the change rates and rates differences (Even in basic economy tickets) for customers who want to change their flights to the nearby LGA or the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), although the carrier has a much lower presence in both airports than in Newark.
That resignation will be executed at least on May 23.
Jetblue and Alaska airlines They have also issued notices that allow travelers an additional flexibility on flights to, from OA through the airport.
Can you get a refund?
According to the DOT refund policy, passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed They have the right to complete reimbursement If they choose not to fly.
While politics would not help passengers who agree to reserve on a later flight, it could be useful for delayed passengers who decide to stay at home instead of traveling, or instead choose to book a train ticket, rent a car or fly on another airline.
What about compensation?
It is less likely that airlines pay for the rooms or meals of the passengers stranded when a flight is canceled or delayed due to problems seen as outside their control, such as bad weather or a problem of air traffic control.
Credit cards with travel insurance
Some credit cards Offer travel insurance protections That can help passengers to recover any unexpected cost, including hotel rooms and meals. In general, the only stipulation is that travelers must have reserved the trip using that card.
Related reading:
