Near Misses: System Failures Ground Newark Airport Controllers

Newark Airport Air Traffic Control System Failures Raise Safety Concerns Newark Liberty International Airport recently experienced multiple system failures affecting air traffic controllers' radars and radios. This critical incident potentially jeopardized the safety of hundreds of passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the outages, which occurred on [Date of incident]. The situation has been exacerbated by a shortage of air traffic controllers, according to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. Kirby stated that controllers had "walked off the job," referring to those taking trauma leave. However, Jonathan Stewart, an FAA air-traffic controller supervisor, refutes this characterization, stating that controllers were not "walking off the job" but were removed from duty due to mental health concerns resulting from the trauma of the incidents. "Walking off the job implies they left of their own free will," Stewart explained. "They had to be taken out of position and relieved of duty because they were not mentally fit to do it anymore." The FAA is working to address staffing shortages and improve safety protocols. The investigation into the system failures is ongoing. The incident highlights the crucial role of air traffic controllers and the need for adequate support to maintain their mental well-being and ensure the safety of air travel.