FAA extends Newark airport flight cap through 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Sept. 25 that it was extending the order limiting the rate of flight arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport.

As a confluence of factors – including runway construction, air traffic controller staffing shortages and technology blackouts – upended travel at EWR this spring, the FAA limited arrivals and departures from more than 80 per hour to 68.

As NJBIZ reported last week, that action, along with a focus on technology upgrades and air traffic controller staffing increases, contributed to United Airlines‘ best operational summer at EWR, putting it on par with John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport for on-time performance. Earlier this week, the FAA announced it surpassed ATC hiring goals.

Key things to know about the order:

• Increases the hourly flight limit from 68 to 72 – no more than 36 arrivals and departures, respectively, per hour
• Extends the June order through Oct. 24, 2026 – was scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2025
  • Action is effective Oct. 26, 2025
• The airport operator and airlines supported the extension to help ease congestion at EWR
• Weekend construction closures of Runway 4L-22R resumed this month through the end of the year
• FAA says goal is to continue maintaining safety, while alleviating flight delays due to the staffing and equipment challenges

‘Running better than ever’

United says these efforts are critical toward EWR’s long-term operational certainty.

“Thanks to Secretary [Sean] Duffy and Administrator [Bryan] Bedford for their leadership in finalizing capacity reductions for the upcoming seasons,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “Newark is running better than ever and operating at a level on par with the other major New York City area airports.

“Now that airline schedules match the actual capacity at EWR, things will only get better as we head into the fall and winter seasons, and we look forward to continuing to work with DOT and FAA on a long-term solution to manage the airport’s capacity.”