Newark Airport is slicing the number of flights in and out of the international hub after a severe lack of air traffic controllers caused mass panic, flight cancellations, and severe delays at the congested facility. Flights through Newark will be capped at only 28 departures and 28 arrivals through June 15, and increase only slightly after to 34 respectively through Oct. 25. The airport has experienced mayhem in recent months, largely tied to serious staff shortages among air traffic controllers following Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) layoffs that struck the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Around 400 people who held direct roles in supporting safety inspectors and airport operations were let go in February. Frequent flyers fear that the airport is unsafe, especially when instances of disorganization are plenty: last month, Newark air traffic controllers lost radio and radar contact with planes, making them unable to speak to pilots. During one evening at Newark last week, on some shifts, as few as three of the recommended 14 air traffic controllers were on duty. The airport has less than two thirds of the recommended total controllers the FAA says are needed for the airport to run smoothly.
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