What to know about air traffic control system, staffing at Newark airport amid delays
What to know about air traffic control system, staffing at Newark airport amid delays

The FAA acknowledges the air traffic control system that handles traffic coming in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport is antiquated. After a recent incident, about a half dozen controllers sought trauma leave due to working conditions. Since April 28, nearly 900 flights have been canceled in and out of the busy airport.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The CBS article is mostly accurate, with its key claims supported by multiple sources. There's a slight bias towards highlighting the negative aspects of the situation at Newark Airport, particularly the antiquated system and controller trauma, but it's not overly pronounced. The number of controllers seeking trauma leave is difficult to verify precisely.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** The FAA acknowledges the air traffic control system that handles traffic coming in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport is antiquated.
- Verification Source #4: Supports this claim, mentioning Duffy's plan to fix Newark's air traffic issues.
- Verification Source #3: Does not directly state the system is antiquated but implies it with mentions of system outages.
- Claim:** After a recent incident, about a half dozen controllers sought trauma leave due to working conditions.
- Verification Source #3: Mentions that many put in for medical leave after system outages, which led to the staffing crisis. The exact number "half a dozen" is not explicitly verified by the provided sources.
- Verification Source #2 & #5: Support the general idea of a staffing shortage.
- Claim:** Since April 28, nearly 900 flights have been canceled in and out of the busy airport.
- This specific number is not directly verified by the provided sources. Verification Source #1 mentions 88 cancellations on a specific day. The other sources mention delays and cancellations generally.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** Multiple sources (Verification Source #2, #3, #5) agree on the existence of delays and cancellations at Newark Airport due to staffing shortages.
- Agreement:** Verification Source #4 supports the claim that the air traffic control system is in need of fixing.
- Lack of Coverage:** The specific number of controllers seeking trauma leave ("half a dozen") and the exact number of flights cancelled ("nearly 900") are not directly verified by the provided sources.