Newark Airport Plunged into Chaos: Mass Flight Delays and Power Outages

Newark Airport Chaos: Flight Delays and Power Outages Amidst Air Traffic Controller Shortage Newark Liberty International Airport experienced major disruptions on May 12, 2025, due to an extreme shortage of air traffic controllers. According to the New York Times, only three controllers were on duty, significantly less than the scheduled fourteen. This resulted in widespread flight delays, some lasting up to seven hours, causing significant inconvenience and frustration for thousands of travelers. "That was eleven less than what New York was supposed to have last night," stated Aaron Parnas, the video's creator, highlighting the severity of the understaffing. The situation was further complicated by two separate 92-second power outages at the airport, adding to the existing chaos. Adding an unexpected twist to the story, reports indicate that Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy changed his wife's flight from Newark to LaGuardia to avoid the delays. This action, while not directly addressing the root cause of the problem, underlines the impact of the air traffic controller shortage on even high-profile individuals. The incident underscores the critical need for adequate staffing and infrastructure at major airports to ensure smooth operations and prevent future disruptions. The ongoing situation at Newark Airport serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of understaffing and the ripple effects it can have on air travel.