United Airlines flight changes: United Airlines offers free flight changes amid chaos in Newark Airport
According to ABC News, this is Manchester United's second waiver in recent weeks. Previous waivers cover tickets purchased before April 29 for travel between May 1 and May 5.
Airline responds to air traffic control crisis
The move is reportedly amid chaos in Newark, which has cut about 35 daily flights since May 3. These problems are due to severe shortages of air traffic control (ATC) staff and power outages in critical equipment in Tracon, Philadelphia, which are guided to the radar system that will fly to Newark.
Also Read: Disney’s Girls’ Theme Park in the Middle East is built on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. What travelers need to know
The power outage forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily stop traveling to the airport, which led to the cancellation of nearly 900 flights.
The situation worsened when the Newark ATC briefly lost its radar and communicated with the aircraft, causing pilots and controllers to panic. According to the Mirror Report, the recording shows that a pilot repeatedly asked the controller before re-engagement.
Hundreds of flights cancelled, safety fear raised
Retired air traffic controller Traian Hernandez said it was unsafe, explaining that even a 90-second radar failure is a timelessness in aviation, as the aircraft can cross the entire airspace area at that time.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy acknowledged 30-second loss of communications, while others, including New York Senator Chuck Schumer, warned of the system's vulnerability that could have disastrous consequences.
Due to overwhelming workload, some air traffic controllers are now traumatizing the already thinner level of staffing.
FAA fights for systems that address employee shortages, outdated
The FAA acknowledges that its “outdated” air traffic system should be blamed in part. They promised to modernize telecommunications and automation systems and import ATC directors from elsewhere in the country. However, they warned that replacing and training new controllers will take time.
Meanwhile, experts urge travelers to avoid Newark as much as possible. Hernandez recommends taking alternative airports such as JFK or Laguardia until things get better.
FAQ:
Who is eligible for United Airlines’ free evacuation waiver?
Customers who book Newark travel tickets from May 7 to or before May 4, 2025 are eligible. New flights should be in the same cab between the same cities and within two days of the original travel date.
What is the reason for the flight interruption at Newark Airport?
The interference is a result of a severe shortage of air traffic control personnel, equipment failures in Traken, Philadelphia, and temporary radar and communication disruptions, resulting in huge delays and safety issues.
Disclaimer: This content is written by a third party. The views expressed here are the views of the respective authors/entities and do not represent the views of the Economic Times (ET). ET does not warrant, warrant, or endorse any of its contents, nor is it responsible for them in any way. Please take all necessary steps to make sure that any information and content provided is correct, updated and verified. ET hereby disclaims any warranties, express or implied, relating to the Report and any Content.
