One Controller, Thousands of Flights: Newark Airport Avoids Disaster

Newark Airport narrowly avoids a major crisis due to critical understaffing. On May 14, 2025, a single air traffic controller was responsible for managing all flights at Newark Liberty International Airport for a three-hour period. This unprecedented situation, according to an anonymous source cited by the New York Post, brought the airport "to the verge of a doomsday scenario." The source described the chaotic scene, with the lone controller assisted only by a trainee, struggling to manage the immense volume of air traffic during peak hours. The resulting delays caused significant disruption to countless travelers. The FAA is currently investigating the incident. The incident highlights the critical need for adequate staffing levels to maintain the safety and efficiency of air travel.