Editor's Note: The above video originally aired on May 2.
NEWARK, New Jersey (PIX11) -- Extensive delays continued for the third day at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday, according to the FAA's website.
Travelers were warned to expect ground delays of up to an hour and a half on Saturday, due to continued staffing issues at the airport, the website said. Sweeping ground delays and flight cancellations began Thursday due to staff shortages.
United Airlines began canceling 35 daily round-trip flights this weekend due to Newark Airport's staffing issues. United CEO Scott Kirby says existing staffing issues at the airport were exacerbated after 20% of FAA controllers walked off the job.
"Keep in mind, this particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years, and without these controllers, it’s now clear – and the FAA tells us – that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead," Kirby said.
A spokesperson for the FAA told PIX11 News that the agency would be slowing arrivals and departures at Newark Airport because of multiple factors including equipment issues, runway construction at Newark and staffing issues.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight information before heading to the airport.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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