Newark Airport Blackout: Controllers Request Trauma Leave After 90-Second System Failure

Newark Airport System Outage Leads to Trauma Leave Requests from Air Traffic Controllers On Monday, a system outage at Newark Liberty International Airport plunged air traffic controllers into darkness for up to 90 seconds, disrupting their ability to track aircraft. This incident, highlighted in a recent segment of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, underscores the immense pressure and stress faced by these essential workers. The outage, combined with existing staffing challenges, created a nightmarish scenario for controllers responsible for ensuring the safety of millions of passengers daily. "It was a breaking point," said one controller who requested anonymity, "We were essentially flying blind for almost two minutes. The pressure is always immense, but this was beyond anything I've experienced." The FAA has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the outage, but the incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and improved safety protocols. The situation has led to a number of air traffic controllers requesting trauma leave, highlighting the significant mental health toll of their demanding jobs. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role air traffic controllers play in ensuring safe air travel and the need for improved support systems to address the pressures they face. The FAA is currently investigating the incident and working to prevent similar occurrences in the future.