The Federal Aviation Administration imposed flight slowdowns and ground stops today, July 28, at Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport. Between 20% and 30% of flights were canceled at these airports, with ground delays averaging from 71 minutes to 149 minutes, according to WTVB | 1590 AM · 95.5 FM | The Voice of Branch County.
Air Traffic Controller Staffing Shortages Drive Disruptions
Staffing shortages at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center have contributed heavily to the operational disruptions affecting Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia airports. The New York Area Terminal Radar Approach Control currently operates at
only 57% of its targeted staffing levels. To cope with the shortfall, air traffic controllers have been required to work mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks.
FAA Extends Flight Limits and Waivers Through 2027 and 2028
In response to the persistent staffing deficits, the FAA has extended flight limits at Newark through summer 2027 and at JFK and LaGuardia through late October 2028. Relief from minimum flight requirements, which prevent airlines from losing their takeoff and landing slots when not used at least 80% of the time, has also been extended at JFK, LaGuardia, and Reagan Washington National Airport through the end of 2027. A waiver permits airlines to operate 10%
fewer flights than the minimum required. Earlier, significant flight cuts were imposed at Newark in May 2025 after disruptions at United Airlines’ Newark hub. These cuts have now been extended through October 2027.
Passenger Impact and FAA Outlook
Today’s actions by the FAA led to cancellations affecting roughly one-fifth to nearly one-third of flights at the four airports. Ground delays ranged from over one hour up to almost two and a half hours, impacting arrivals and departures. The FAA has stated that staffing shortages at Newark will not see significant improvement before October 2027, while efforts continue to address the broader shortage of certified air
traffic controllers in the New York area.
