United Airlines Incident..What Happened

In recent weeks, United Airlines has faced a series of operational challenges, with significant disruptions centered around Newark Liberty International Airport. These issues have raised concerns about the airline’s operations and the broader state of the U.S. aviation infrastructure.

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Newark Airport Disruptions

Since late April 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport has experienced substantial operational disruptions. United Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier, has been particularly affected. The disruptions stem from a combination of factors, including runway construction, equipment malfunctions, and air traffic control staffing shortages.

Notably, two separate 90-second communication outages occurred within a two-week span, disrupting radar and communications for air traffic controllers. These incidents have compounded existing issues, leading to a sharp increase in flight cancellations—now averaging 49 per day compared to just four in early April—and delays, with on-time departures plummeting to 63% .

In response, United Airlines has reduced its daily flights at Newark by approximately 10%, now operating 293 daily flights, down from a historic 440 . The airline is also waiving change fees for affected customers.

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FAA’s Response and Infrastructure Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the challenges at Newark and is taking steps to address them. The agency plans to meet with major airlines to discuss temporary flight reductions at the airport. Additionally, the FAA is increasing air traffic controller staffing, enhancing telecommunications infrastructure, and introducing a temporary backup system to mitigate future outages .

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has proposed a multibillion-dollar plan to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system, emphasizing the need for substantial congressional funding and years of implementation .

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Other Recent Incidents Involving United Airlines

In addition to the challenges at Newark, United Airlines has experienced other incidents. At San Francisco International Airport, two United Airlines planes clipped wings during pushback. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. in an area without direct air traffic controller communication. No injuries were reported, and all passengers deplaned safely .

Furthermore, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has addressed recent safety incidents involving the airline. In a message to customers, Kirby expressed confidence that the airline would learn the “right lessons” and continue to prioritize safety. He announced plans for an extra day of in-person training for all pilots starting in May and a centralized training curriculum for new-hire maintenance technicians .

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Looking Ahead

The recent challenges faced by United Airlines, particularly at Newark Liberty International Airport, underscore the complexities of modern air travel and the importance of robust infrastructure and staffing. As the FAA and United Airlines work to address these issues, passengers are advised to stay informed about potential delays and cancellations, especially when traveling through affected airports.

Travelers are encouraged to monitor flight statuses closely and consider alternative airports when planning their journeys. The ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols and infrastructure aim to restore confidence in air travel and ensure the well-being of all passengers and crew members.