Regulations & Safety
FAA Implements Emergency Measures to Tackle Newark Airport Crisis
FAA tackles Newark Airport disruptions via staffing boosts, tech upgrades, and a $15B plan to modernize U.S. air traffic control by 2028.
Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR), one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States, has recently faced a wave of delays and cancellations, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to introduce immediate corrective measures. The disruptions, which peaked over a chaotic weekend in early May 2025, have exposed systemic vulnerabilities in both staffing and infrastructure within the U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system.
According to data from FlightAware, Newark experienced 951 delays and 226 cancellations during one weekend alone, followed by 374 delays and 150 cancellations the next day. These figures highlight a 23 percent drop in flight activity compared to the same week in 2024. With the summer travel season approaching, the FAA has acknowledged the urgency of restoring operational reliability at Newark and across the national airspace system.
The FAA’s response includes increasing controller staffing, upgrading outdated radar and communication systems, and launching a broader modernization plan for U.S. air traffic control infrastructure. These actions are not only reactive but also signal a long-overdue transformation of the country’s aviation oversight capabilities.
One of the primary drivers of the disruptions at Newark has been a shortage of certified air traffic controllers. The Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which took over Newark’s airspace from the New York TRACON (N90) in July 2024, currently operates with only 22 certified professional controllers (CPCs) and 21 trainees and supervisors. While the FAA claims to have a “healthy pipeline” of trainees through 2026, the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle peak traffic volumes.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) reported that on April 28, 2025, controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON temporarily lost radar and communications with aircraft under their control. This incident, which lasted between 60 to 90 seconds, left controllers unable to see or communicate with a FedEx MD-11 aircraft, narrowly avoiding a potential disaster.
“It was just by the grace of God that there wasn’t another plane in his way,” said an anonymous controller in an interview with CNN, describing the event as the “most dangerous situation you could have.” In response, five personnel, including a supervisor and trainee, took 45 days of leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act to recover from the trauma.
“What we’re seeing here at the Philadelphia TRACON…that actually can be what’s going to happen across the country.” — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Another significant factor contributing to the disruptions is the outdated technology used in air traffic control. The radar data for Newark’s airspace is transmitted to Philadelphia TRACON through copper telecommunications wires from the FAA’s Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) in New York. This system lacks redundancy and has failed multiple times, including during the April 28 incident.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has been vocal about the obsolescence of the nation’s ATC infrastructure. “We use floppy disks. We use copper wires. The system that we’re using is not effective to control the traffic that we have in the airspace today,” Duffy stated. These comments underscore the urgent need for modernization and have fueled bipartisan calls for reform. To mitigate immediate risks, the FAA announced plans to replace the copper wiring with fiberoptic technology, establish a new STARS hub in Philadelphia, and deploy a temporary backup system during the transition. These upgrades aim to improve the speed and reliability of radar and communication systems.
Compounding the staffing and technical issues is ongoing construction on one of Newark’s three commercial runways. Scheduled to last through mid-June, the construction has reduced operational capacity and created bottlenecks in both arrivals and departures. The FAA has forecasted continued ground stops and delays until construction is completed.
This reduced capacity has led to cascading delays, affecting not just Newark but also other airports in the congested Northeast corridor. Airlines, particularly United Airlines, have expressed frustration. CEO Scott Kirby controversially claimed that “over 20 percent of the FAA controllers for EWR walked off the job,” a statement later refuted by both the FAA and NATCA.
The combination of these factors has put immense pressure on an already strained system, raising concerns about the resilience of U.S. air traffic management during high-demand periods like summer vacations and holiday travel.
In the short term, the FAA is increasing staffing at the Philadelphia TRACON and implementing critical technological upgrades. The agency is also actively recruiting experienced ATC supervisors to fill gaps and ensure safer operations. According to The Air Current, the FAA still needs to hire over 3,000 air traffic controllers nationwide to meet operational targets.
To incentivize hiring and retention, the FAA has raised starting salaries for trainees and introduced cash bonuses. These efforts aim to reduce burnout and attrition, which have plagued the agency in recent years. However, achieving optimal staffing levels will take time, as training a controller can take up to three years.
In parallel, the FAA is expanding its training programs and working with NATCA to streamline certification processes without compromising safety standards. These collaborative efforts are essential for rebuilding trust and operational stability.
Beyond immediate fixes, the FAA is preparing to unveil a long-term modernization plan for the nation’s ATC infrastructure. Secretary Duffy is expected to present this plan, backed by a proposed $15 billion Congressional support package, which includes replacing outdated systems with “state-of-the-art” technology within the next three to four years. This overhaul will address not only radar and communication systems but also software, data integration, and cybersecurity. The goal is to create a more resilient, efficient, and scalable ATC system capable of handling the increasing complexity of modern air travel, including unmanned aircraft and advanced air mobility platforms.
“A government watchdog warned [former President Joe] Biden & [Transportation Secretary Pete] Buttigieg about the failing air traffic control system,” Duffy posted on X, citing a December 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. While political finger-pointing continues, there is bipartisan consensus on the need for urgent reform.
The aviation industry has cautiously welcomed the FAA’s measures, though concerns remain about implementation timelines and funding reliability. Airlines, pilots, and passenger advocacy groups have called for greater transparency and accountability in the rollout of new systems and staffing plans.
Passengers, meanwhile, bear the brunt of the disruptions. With delays and cancellations affecting thousands of travelers, consumer confidence in the reliability of U.S. air travel has taken a hit. The FAA’s ability to execute its plans efficiently will be critical in restoring that trust.
As one of the nation’s key transportation arteries, Newark’s recovery will serve as a litmus test for the FAA’s broader modernization strategy. Success here could pave the way for similar reforms at other major hubs facing comparable challenges.
The disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport have laid bare the fragility of the U.S. air traffic control system. From staffing shortages to outdated technology, the challenges are complex and systemic. However, the FAA’s swift response, ranging from immediate staffing increases to long-term infrastructure investments, marks a significant step toward restoring operational stability.
Looking ahead, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and close coordination with industry stakeholders. If executed effectively, the FAA’s strategy could usher in a new era of safer, more efficient air travel across the United States.
What caused the recent disruptions at Newark Airport? What is the FAA doing to fix the problem? Will these changes affect other airports? Sources: FLYING Magazine, CNN, FlightAware, Government Accountability Office (GAO)
FAA Launches Emergency Measures to Address Newark Airport Disruptions
Core Challenges: Staffing Shortages and Outdated Infrastructure
Air Traffic Controller Shortages and Burnout
Technological Failures and Legacy Systems
Runway Construction and Operational Bottlenecks
FAA’s Strategic Response and Future Outlook
Immediate Measures and Staffing Initiatives
Long-Term Infrastructure Overhaul
Industry and Public Reactions
Conclusion
FAQ
The disruptions were caused by a combination of air traffic controller shortages, outdated radar and communication systems, and ongoing runway construction.
The FAA is increasing staffing, upgrading radar and communications infrastructure, and launching a long-term modernization plan for the air traffic control system.
Yes, the FAA’s broader modernization efforts are intended to improve air traffic control systems nationwide, potentially benefiting other major airports facing similar issues.
Photo Credit: CNN
Regulations & Safety
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Runway Excursion at Mogadishu Airport
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 skidded off the runway during emergency landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport; all 55 aboard safe with minor injuries.
This article summarizes reporting by ABC News / Associated Press and Omar Faruk.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation suffered a significant runway excursion during an emergency landing at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu, Somalia. According to reporting by the Associated Press, the aircraft skidded off the runway and came to a rest on the sandy shoreline of the Indian Ocean.
Despite the severity of the crash landing, which resulted in the detachment of the aircraft’s right wing, authorities have confirmed that there were no fatalities among the passengers and crew.
The flight, identified as a domestic service operated by a Fokker 50 turboprop, departed Mogadishu in the early afternoon. Conflicting reports from local sources suggest the flight was bound for either Guriel or Galkayo. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the flight crew declared an emergency due to a suspected technical malfunction, specifically citing engine failure, and requested an immediate return to Aden Adde International Airport.
According to verified details released by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the pilots attempted to land on Runway 05/23. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the designated tarmac area.
SCAA Director General Ahmed Moalim Hassan provided a statement regarding the sequence of events:
“The pilot tried to land the aircraft back in Mogadishu, but after touchdown, he was unable to maintain control.”
, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, SCAA Director General (via AP/Local Media)
The aircraft subsequently breached the airport’s perimeter fence and slid onto the adjacent beach. Emergency services, including airport fire crews, responded immediately to evacuate the aircraft. While the Associated Press initially reported “up to 50” people on board, updated reports indicate a total manifest of 55 people, comprised of 50 passengers and 5 crew members. All were evacuated safely, with only minor injuries reported. The aircraft involved is a Fokker 50, a turboprop commonly used for regional flights in East Africa. The operator, Starsky Aviation (formerly known as Starsom Air), is a Mogadishu-based carrier founded in 2013. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Fokker 50 and Embraer aircraft for domestic passenger and cargo logistics.
Images circulating from the scene depict the aircraft resting on the sand with substantial structural damage, including a severed right wing. Airport officials noted that preventing a post-impact fire was a primary concern given the fuel load and the crash site’s proximity to the water.
Aden Adde International Airport is geographically unique, with its primary runway running parallel to the Indian Ocean coastline. This layout leaves little margin for error during runway excursions. As noted in historical data regarding the airport, this is not an isolated event.
While the survival of all 55 occupants is a testament to the durability of the airframe and the quick response of rescue teams, this incident reinforces concerns regarding operations at Aden Adde International Airport. The recurrence of runway excursions ending on the beach suggests that environmental factors, such as coastal wind shear, combined with aging turboprop fleets, present persistent risks.
The Fokker 50 has long been a workhorse in Somali aviation, but the frequency of hull-loss incidents involving this type in the region may prompt increased regulatory scrutiny regarding maintenance standards and pilot training for emergency return scenarios.
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Veers Off Runway in Mogadishu; All 55 Aboard Safe
Incident Overview and Timeline
Aircraft and Airline Background
Context: A History of Shoreline Excursions
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: X
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
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