What you need to know—and how to plan ahead if you’re flying this summer

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If you’re flying to, from, or through Newark Liberty International Airport, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes—and what that could mean for your travel plans.

While most travelers expect the usual weather delays or longer TSA lines during summer, Newark is experiencing a compounding set of issues that are starting to ripple beyond the airport itself: flight reductions, technical outages, and air traffic control limitations are all creating a domino effect that may impact even those not flying through Newark directly.

Let’s break it down.

What’s Going On at Newark?

Newark’s airspace was transferred from New York to Philadelphia control last year in hopes of easing congestion. But fast forward to today, and the results have been far from ideal.

Over the past month, Newark has experienced multiple communication outages between the Philadelphia air traffic control center and flights in the area. Though each incident was brief and safety was maintained, it adds another layer of pressure to an already strained system.

On top of that, runway construction at Newark is contributing to increased delays and a reduction in scheduled flights. The FAA has temporarily limited arrivals and departures to 28 per hour (increasing slightly to 34 after June 15), creating a tighter window for flights to take off or land.

Why This Matters—Even If You’re Not Flying Through Newark

If you or your guests are flying this summer, here’s how these issues could trickle down and impact your trip:

  • Departures: Flights from other major airports (including Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Miami) may experience delays when routing through the same congested Northeast corridor. That includes connecting flights for guests headed to destination weddings or group celebrations.
  • Connections: Newark is a major hub for United Airlines, and disruptions here can lead to last-minute gate changes, missed connections, or re-routed baggage—especially for those with tight itineraries.
  • Group or milestone travel: If you’re planning a wedding, honeymoon, or group getaway, a delay or cancellation for one leg of a trip can mean hotel nights missed, transfer changes, or reduced time at your destination.

Even if Newark isn’t your departure airport, the system-wide ripple effect can extend to aircraft availability, staffing logistics, and scheduling elsewhere.

How to Protect Your Travel Plans

While we can’t control air traffic, we can take steps to plan smarter. Here’s what I recommend right now:

  • Book the earliest flight of the day when possible. Morning flights are less likely to be impacted by rolling delays.
  • Watch for airline-issued waivers—many carriers are allowing free changes for Newark travelers.
  • Consider alternate airports like JFK, LaGuardia, or Philadelphia if you’re flexible.
  • Build in buffer time for connections, especially if you’re traveling internationally or attending a time-sensitive event.
  • Invest in travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

What’s Ahead for Newark and the National Airspace System?

The FAA has announced long-term modernization plans to improve air traffic control systems across the country. These include upgrading outdated radar and communications systems. However, many of these improvements aren’t expected to be completed until 2027 or 2028.

In the meantime, the FAA is continuing to limit flight volumes in and out of Newark in an effort to manage delays safely.

Let’s Plan Around the Unexpected

If you’re flying to a destination wedding, coordinating group travel, or planning a honeymoon this summer, now is the time to prepare. I’m here to help you look at alternate routing, ensure enough time between connections, and advise on the best flight times to minimize stress and maximize smooth travel.

Reach out if you’d like help reviewing your itinerary or exploring alternate airport options. A few small changes on the front end could make a world of difference once you’re in motion.