Newark records 83 delays, 14 cancellations

Severe thunderstorms on Wednesday pushed Newark Liberty International Airport back into extended delays, leaving some travelers stuck on planes and in terminals for hours, according to NJ.com. By 4 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration was reporting departure delays of 60 minutes and increasing at Newark. By about 7 p.m., FlightAware data cited by NJ.com showed 83 delayed flights and 14 cancellations at the airport. ### How bad were the Newark disruptions on Wednesday? FlightAware figures cited by NJ.com put the evening tally at 83 delays and 14 cancellations at Newark. NJ.com reported that passengers described long waits on the tarmac, trouble getting baggage and difficulty rebooking after storms moved through the area. The FAA’s National Airspace System status page showed Newark under a delay program earlier in the day, with departure delays listed at 60 minutes and increasing. (nj.com) That FAA notice captured the operational impact before the evening flight counts were reported. ### What set off the latest round of delays? Severe thunderstorms were the immediate trigger on Wednesday, NJ.com reported. Weather has repeatedly compounded Newark’s existing operating problems, which have included congestion and staffing constraints. (nj.com) Newark has been operating with less room for disruption since the FAA reduced the airport’s hourly traffic limits in 2025. (nasstatus.faa.gov) The agency said in a later statement that it had extended limits on arrivals and departures at Newark, describing the move as an effort to reduce delays for travelers. ### Why has Newark been more vulnerable than other airports? The FAA cut Newark’s allowed operations to 56 takeoffs and landings an hour during an earlier phase of the disruption, down from a previous target of 77, according to FAA-related reporting and contemporaneous accounts. (nj.com) That reduction came amid air traffic controller shortages and runway work. (faa.gov) NJ.com has separately reported that Newark’s problems have included repeated controller staffing and equipment issues over the past year. Those limits mean weather can spill into longer delays more quickly because the airport has less spare capacity to absorb disruptions. That last point is an inference from the FAA’s reduced hourly cap and NJ.com’s reporting on repeated delays. (6abc.com) ### What were travelers seeing on the ground? NJ.com reported that passengers were stranded for hours, with some stuck aboard aircraft and others waiting for checked bags or alternate flights. The account described frustration building through the afternoon and evening as storms slowed departures and disrupted schedules. Newark’s own flight-information pages on Friday showed normal operations had resumed, while warning that schedules and gate information can change and travelers should verify details with their airline. (nj.com) FlightView also listed Newark in normal status on Friday morning, with only minor delays at that time. ### Where should travelers look next? The FAA’s Newark statements page and National Airspace System status page are the main federal sources for any new traffic limits or delay programs affecting the airport. (nj.com) Newark Liberty’s flight-information pages and airline-specific alerts remain the quickest way to check an individual departure or arrival. Friday’s airport status pages indicated that the worst of Wednesday’s storm disruption had passed. (newarkairport.com) For Memorial Day weekend travelers, the next updates are likely to appear first in FAA status notices, airline alerts and Newark’s live departures and arrivals pages. (nasstatus.faa.gov) (faa.gov)