NYC warns of hourslong delays at Newark over staffing shortages, says a full ground stoppage is possible

• Ground delays are slowing travel at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Airports are experiencing delays and disruptions amid the government shutdown.
• A shortage of air traffic controllers is affecting operations.

A shortage of air traffic controllers on Sunday led to ground delays at Newark Airport, according to New York City officials, who warned the delays could spread to nearby airports like JFK and LaGuardia.

Inbound flights to Newark are delayed an average of 218 minutes, according to the FAA and FlightAware.

On Sunday morning, the NYC Emergency Management agency wrote on X that the airport is under a ground delay program due to staffing shortages in its control tower.

“FAA planning notes show a possibility of a full ground stop later if staffing shortages or demand increases,” the post said. It also said that delays at Newark “often spread to JFK and LaGuardia, so travelers flying to, from, or through NYC should expect schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections.”

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has led to flight delays and disruptions at airports nationwide due to a certified air traffic controller shortage. Although controllers received partial pay during the first few weeks of the government shutdown, those paychecks ended on October 28, meaning they’re working without pay as the holiday rush nears.

“They’re confronted with a decision: Do I put food on my kids’ table, do I put gas in the car, do I pay my rent, or do I go to work and not get paid? They’re making decisions,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “I’ve encouraged them all to come to work. I want them to come to work, but they’re making life decisions that they shouldn’t have to make.”

The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a labor union, echoed that sentiment in a statement published Friday.

“This situation creates substantial distractions for individuals who are already engaged in extremely stressful work,” NATCA President Nick Daniels said. “The financial and mental strain increases risks within the National Airspace System, making it less safe with each passing day of the shutdown.”

On October 30, FlightAware launched a “Misery Map” to help travelers track delays and cancellations. Early Sunday afternoon, the map showed 51 delays out of Newark and six cancellations. Denver International and O’Hare International in Chicago both showed over 50 delays.

Newark and the FAA did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for a comment.