Staffing shortages trigger flight delays at US’ busiest airports

Newark Liberty International (EWR) faced a more severe disruption, with delays climbing to about 95 minutes as staffing shortages were compounded by the loss of Runway 22L. Arrival rates at EWR were reduced to roughly 32 to 34 aircraft per hour, a level that rippled across flights from nearly every major U.S. region and several Canadian airports. While weather was described by the FAA as a minor factor at Newark, capacity constraints and runway outages continued to drive the delays even after ground stops were lifted.

The disruptions come just months after a government shutdown in October that led to widespread flight delays and staffing disruptions across the nation’s air traffic control system. The shutdown lasted for a historic length in the annals of U.S. government disruptions, underscoring how financial and staffing gaps can quickly translate into operational bottlenecks for the nation’s airports. The effects were felt across domestic and international travel, with ripple effects that extended into holiday planning and cross-border itineraries.

The incidents at DFW and EWR are part of a broader pattern of capacity constraints that have beleaguered U.S. air travel this year. At Newark, the combination of fewer landing slots, a closed runway, and limited throughput created a backlog that affected flights originating from nearly every major U.S. region and several Canadian hubs. FAA officials emphasized that while weather contributed little to Newark’s delays, the pressure from reduced runway availability and staffing gaps remained the dominant driver of the congestion.

The numbers in play at these hubs reflect their scale and growth. DFW is projecting near-90 million passengers in 2025, continuing a trend of record volumes driven by a large catchment area and wide airline network. In 2025, August at EWR alone saw about 4.5 million travelers, up roughly four percent from 2024, signaling the airport’s ongoing recovery and expansion. Daily averages at EWR have hovered around 40,000 passengers with roughly 1,200 flights, though peak days can push totals well above 80,000 travelers. More than 45 airlines operate from Newark, underscoring its role as a key cross-border gateway for both the United States and Canada.

The weather events of the day were not the primary cause of the delays at Newark, according to FAA briefings. Instead, the combination of staffing shortages and the loss of a major runway created a bottleneck that could take hours to unwind, even after ground stops were removed. As operations gradually normalize, the agency said it would remain vigilant for any further capacity constraints that could affect arrivals and departures not just at Newark and Dallas but across the national air traffic system.

For travelers, the disruptions translate into longer connection times, late arrivals and rebookings for itineraries that stretch from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Carriers have said they are working to re-sequence flights, buffer schedules where possible and communicate expected delays as the FAA coordinates with airport authorities to restore typical throughput. The evolving picture underscores how staffing and operational capacity continue to shape the pace of U.S. air travel, even as demand remains resilient during a busy travel season.

As authorities monitor the situation, officials urged travelers to check with their carriers for the latest departure and arrival updates and to allow extra time for security and boarding during peak periods. The FAA indicated it would continue to adjust flow restrictions and runway usage as needed to maintain safety while addressing the underlying staffing constraints that are contributing to the delays.