The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is placing new limits on the number of flights allowed to arrive and depart from Newark Liberty International Airport in an effort to ease persistent delays and reduce overcrowding. In an interim order issued Tuesday, the FAA announced that flights at the airport will be capped at 28 per hour while construction continues on Runway 4-Left/22-Right.
Although daily construction on the runway is set to pause after June 15, work will continue on Saturdays through the end of 2025. During periods when construction is not actively taking place, the airport will be permitted to operate up to 34 flights per hour. The decision to limit traffic comes just ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel period and follows a series of meetings held between the FAA and airline representatives earlier this month.
Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau said the move is intended to minimize the inconvenience travelers face due to ongoing delays, construction, staffing shortages, and recent equipment problems. He noted that delays at Newark tend to ripple through the broader National Airspace System, amplifying problems at other airports.
The cap took effect immediately and is part of a broader FAA strategy to bring stability to one of the nation’s busiest airports. Newark Liberty has been plagued by consistent delays, many stemming from a shortage of air traffic control staff and outdated operational systems. The added complication of runway construction has only worsened the situation, turning routine travel into a frequent headache for passengers.
While the FAA is keeping a close eye on conditions at the airport, officials noted that the current limits could be adjusted if it’s determined that more flights can be handled without triggering significant delays. For now, though, the agency is prioritizing reliability and safety, hoping that a temporary reduction in traffic will help restore smoother operations at the airport and prevent further disruptions for travelers moving through the New York area.