The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is slowing flights today into John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International, and Philadelphia International airports due to ongoing staffing shortages at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center paired with severe weather. FlightAware reports cancellations have reached between 20% and 30% at these airports, while ground delays average from 71 to 149 minutes.
Staffing levels and extended flight restrictions
Staffing at the New York Area Terminal Radar Approach Control remains critically low, reaching only 57% of targeted controller levels. The persistent shortage has compelled the FAA to extend flight limits at Newark until summer 2027 and at
JFK and LaGuardia through late October 2028. Additionally, relief from minimum flight requirements is extended through late 2027 for JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan Washington National Airport. These extensions aim to manage limited controller availability impacting these congested airports.
Passenger impact amid delays and cancellations
Travelers at the four airports face extended wait times on the ground, with average delays ranging from just over an hour up to nearly two and a half hours. Cancellation rates between 20% and 30% affect a significant portion of scheduled flights, contributing to widespread disruption. The shortage has also forced air traffic controllers in the region to work mandatory overtime and
six-day weeks to maintain operations.
Historical background and ongoing flight cuts at Newark
Since May 2025, Newark has been subjected to significant flight reductions following previous major operational disruptions that caused extensive delays at the United Airlines hub. The FAA has extended these flight cuts through October 2027, indicating no substantial improvement in air traffic controller staffing at Newark is expected before that time. This prolonged limitation is part of efforts to stabilize operations amid insufficient staffing.
