Newark Liberty International Airport hit with ground delay over staffing issues

• Newark Liberty International Airport issued a ground stop on Wednesday, citing staffing issues.
• The ground stop was later updated to a ground delay.
• The government shutdown has led to widespread flight disruptions this month.

A ground stop was briefly issued at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday, with the Federal Aviation Administration citing staffing issues.

The ground stop was updated to a ground delay shortly after, with an average delay time of 40 minutes, an FAA advisory said.

Airports around the country have experienced flight disruptions since the government shutdown began on October 1, with many citing staffing shortages.

The FAA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox Business on October 8 that prior to the shutdown, around 5% of flight delays were caused by staffing issues. After the shutdown, staffing shortages accounted for 53% of delays, he said.

Airports that have experienced significant delays this month include Nashville International, Chicago O’Hare, and Dallas-Fort Worth, among others.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association previously told Business Insider that the delays during the shutdown highlighted the need to address the existing air traffic controller shortage by increasing training and hiring.

“It is normal for a few air traffic controllers to call in sick on any given day, and this is the latest example of how fragile our aviation system is in the midst of a national shortage of these critical safety professionals,” the NATCA said.