By Matt Underwood Newark Liberty International Airport has again experienced significant air traffic disruptions due to equipment issues, marking the fourth such incident in just two weeks. The latest disruption, on a Sunday morning, prompted a 45-minute ground stop after a telecommunications problem at the Philadelphia TRACON (terminal radar approach control) Area C facility – the facility responsible for guiding aircraft in and out of Newark – was reported by the FAA.
Initially described as a telecommunications issue, the FAA later clarified that the problem stemmed from audio issues on several radio frequencies, characterized as “popping sounds.” While communication with aircraft was possible, the malfunctioning radio system necessitated a switch to backup systems, leading to the temporary ground stop. The FAA reported that operations returned to normal by 11 a.m. ET.
This recent incident follows a pattern of technical problems affecting Newark. Just days earlier, on Friday morning, radar screens at the airport went black for about 90 seconds. During this outage, air traffic controllers, unable to see radar data, relied on communication with aircraft to maintain safety. This outage, also attributed to a telecommunications issue impacting the Philadelphia TRACON Area C facility, highlights a concerning trend.
Previous outages in late April, lasting between 60 and 90 seconds, caused similar disruptions, including the temporary halting of all departures. These incidents were also related to telecommunications and equipment failures at the same Philadelphia facility. In the wake of these events, several air traffic controllers reportedly took medical leave, citing the stress of these situations.
The frequency and severity of these disruptions have raised many questions. Some speculate that staffing cuts, possibly resulting from budget constraints or deliberate decisions, might be a contributing factor. Others point to the age and condition of the equipment, suggesting that years of neglect are leading to increased malfunctions. The idea that outdated systems are at the heart of the problem is further supported by anecdotal information from air traffic controllers themselves.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the decision to consolidate Newark’s air traffic control to the Philadelphia TRACON. The transfer, seemingly aimed at improved efficiency and easier staffing, appears to have created new challenges. The current system, instead of providing a direct data feed, relies on routing radar data through the original facility before it reaches the new one, which could be a significant factor in the increased frequency of outages.
Some claim that the problems are rooted in a combination of outdated equipment and inadequate infrastructure. Accounts suggest the Philadelphia TRACON relies on older systems and has faced difficulties in procuring necessary replacement parts, even resorting to purchasing components on eBay. The need for upgrades and the challenges in obtaining parts, given the age of the technology, are significant hurdles.
Despite a $5 billion investment from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aimed at upgrading air traffic control facilities, the continued problems persist. The question of why these issues are concentrated in Newark, despite improvements intended to address such problems nationwide, remains unanswered. There’s a concern that inadequate funding and inadequate management decisions are creating a significant risk to air safety.
The narrative that staffing cuts are to blame is challenged by reports indicating that controllers are taking medically necessary leave due to stress from the increased pressure and frequent disruptions. Although this isn’t directly indicative of staffing shortages, the resulting reduced operational capacity underscores the overall impact of the situation. Concerns about speaking out publicly, due to perceived political repercussions, further complicate the issue. The age of the equipment, the unique setup of the Newark-Philadelphia TRACON connection, and the potential for contributing factors such as insufficient staffing, inadequate funding, and perhaps even outdated network technologies, all contribute to the ongoing challenges.
Ultimately, the recurring disruptions at Newark Liberty highlight a critical need for a thorough review of the air traffic control system’s infrastructure, equipment, and operational procedures. The focus should be on both immediate solutions to prevent further outages and long-term strategies to modernize and improve air traffic management nationwide. Only a comprehensive approach will restore confidence and ensure the safety of air travel.