Regulations & Safety
FAA Extends Newark Airport Flight Caps to 2025 for Safety Upgrades
Newark Airport flight caps extended through 2025 to address staffing, infrastructure, and safety amid rising air travel demand.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United States, will continue to operate under flight caps through the end of 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced this extension, citing ongoing infrastructure upgrades, air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages, and the need to maintain operational safety and efficiency.
This decision comes amid a broader effort by the FAA to address systemic issues in the U.S. airspace system. Newark, the second-busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including runway construction, outdated telecommunications infrastructure, and chronic delays. While the flight caps may inconvenience airlines and passengers in the short term, the FAA argues that these measures are necessary to ensure long-term reliability and safety.
With air travel rebounding post-pandemic and demand surging, the pressure is on both regulators and the aviation industry to modernize the infrastructure that underpins the national airspace system. Newark’s flight caps offer a glimpse into how these challenges are being managed at one of the country’s most critical aviation nodes.
The FAA began limiting flight operations at Newark in May 2023, following a series of disruptions caused by staffing shortages, equipment outages, and runway construction. These caps restrict the number of arrivals and departures per hour, currently set at 28 during weekends from September through December 31, 2025, and 34 during other periods through October 25.
Although one of Newark’s parallel runways recently reopened ahead of schedule, it is currently limited to departures only. The FAA has stated that navigational aids must still be tested and calibrated before the runway can be used for arrivals. Until then, flight caps will remain in place to prevent cascading delays and maintain safety.
Historically, Newark has handled over 400,000 flight operations annually and served more than 35 million passengers in 2019. The current restrictions represent a significant operational adjustment, aimed at reducing the strain on ATC systems and improving overall efficiency.
“While flight caps can temporarily constrain capacity, they are necessary to ensure safety and reduce chronic delays at congested airports like Newark.”, John Heimlich, Chief Economist, Airlines for America
Newark’s operational difficulties are not new. The airport has long struggled with congestion due to its proximity to other major hubs like JFK and LaGuardia. However, recent issues have been exacerbated by aging infrastructure and a shortage of qualified air traffic controllers.
To address these challenges, the FAA is investing in a series of modernization projects. These include replacing outdated copper telecommunications lines with high-speed fiber-optic networks and establishing a STARS (Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System) hub at the Philadelphia TRACON. This upgrade aims to reduce Newark’s reliance on New York-based data feeds, improving redundancy and reliability. Additionally, the FAA is deploying a temporary backup system at the Philadelphia TRACON to ensure continuity during the transition. These measures are expected to enhance communication between controllers and aircraft, which is essential for managing high volumes of traffic safely.
One of the most pressing issues facing the FAA is the shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency has acknowledged that retirements, recruitment bottlenecks, and training delays have left many facilities understaffed. This has a direct impact on the ability to manage flight volumes at busy airports like Newark.
To mitigate this, the FAA is offering financial incentives to delay retirements and retain experienced personnel. A 20% bonus has been proposed to encourage controllers nearing retirement age to remain in the workforce longer. Additionally, the agency is expanding the use of Tower Simulation Systems to accelerate training and certification for new recruits.
These simulators allow trainees to practice realistic scenarios, including complex airport configurations and emergency responses. By reducing training time and costs, the FAA hopes to quickly bolster its controller workforce and improve operational resilience.
Flight caps have immediate consequences for airlines operating at Newark. Reduced slots mean fewer scheduled flights, which can affect revenue, route planning, and passenger convenience. Airlines must make strategic decisions about which flights to prioritize, often leading to increased competition for limited slots.
Passengers may experience longer wait times for available flights, higher ticket prices, and reduced flexibility in scheduling. While these disruptions are inconvenient, they are intended to prevent more severe delays and cancellations that could arise from overloading the system.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark Airport, has expressed concern over the economic impact of these caps. However, both the Port Authority and airlines recognize the need for stable and reliable operations, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Flight caps and slot controls are not unique to Newark or the United States. Major international airports like London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Tokyo Haneda also implement similar measures to manage congestion and maintain safety. These controls are common at airports operating near or above capacity. What sets Newark apart is the combination of systemic infrastructure challenges and staffing shortages that have made such measures necessary. The FAA’s approach reflects a broader trend in global aviation: the need to balance capacity with reliability and safety in an era of increasing demand.
Technological advancements like the FAA’s NextGen air traffic control system are designed to address these issues over the long term. However, full implementation requires significant investment and time, making interim measures like flight caps a necessary stopgap.
Experts agree that while flight caps are not a permanent solution, they are a practical response to current challenges. Aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt notes that “balancing capacity and reliability is a complex challenge. Flight caps help manage congestion but must be paired with long-term investments in technology and personnel.”
The FAA’s strategy appears to align with this view. By combining short-term operational controls with long-term infrastructure upgrades and staffing initiatives, the agency aims to create a more resilient and efficient airspace system.
Looking ahead, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained funding, inter-agency coordination, and continued collaboration with industry stakeholders. The experience at Newark may serve as a model, or a cautionary tale, for other airports facing similar pressures.
The FAA’s decision to extend flight caps at Newark Liberty International Airport through the end of 2025 underscores the complex challenges facing the U.S. aviation system. From infrastructure limitations to staffing shortages, the issues are multifaceted and deeply intertwined. While these measures may cause short-term inconvenience, they are aimed at preserving safety and improving long-term reliability.
As air travel demand continues to rise, the need for a modern, well-staffed, and technologically advanced air traffic control system becomes increasingly urgent. Newark’s situation highlights the importance of proactive management, strategic investment and regulatory foresight in maintaining the integrity of national and global aviation networks.
Why is the FAA capping flights at Newark Airport? How long will the flight caps remain in effect? Will these caps affect my travel plans? What is being done to fix the underlying issues? Are other airports facing similar restrictions? Sources: Fox Business, Federal Aviation Administration, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Airlines for America, Aviation Week Network
FAA Extends Flight Caps at Newark Airport Through 2025: What It Means for Travelers and the Aviation Industry
Understanding the Flight Caps at Newark Airport
Background and Implementation
Operational Challenges and Infrastructure Limitations
Staffing Shortages and Recruitment Initiatives
Impacts on Airlines, Passengers, and the Broader Industry
Economic and Logistical Implications
Global Context and Comparisons
Expert Perspectives and Future Outlook
Conclusion
FAQ
The FAA is implementing flight caps to manage congestion, address staffing shortages, and ensure safety during ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
The current flight caps are set to remain in place through December 31, 2025, with specific hourly limits depending on the time and day.
Possibly. Reduced flight slots may lead to fewer available flights, higher prices, or limited scheduling options, especially during peak travel periods.
The FAA is upgrading telecommunications infrastructure, deploying new radar processing systems, and increasing recruitment and training for air traffic controllers.
Yes, flight caps and slot controls are common at congested airports worldwide, including London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda.
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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