Record Travel Expected This Memorial Day Weekend, But Newark Airport Faces Challenges

Record Memorial Day Travel Expected Amidst Newark Airport Challenges This Memorial Day weekend is expected to see a record-breaking number of Americans traveling, with AAA anticipating over 45 million people traveling 50 miles or more. The majority of these travelers will be driving, but air travel is also expected to be significantly high. However, Newark Airport, a major hub, is facing challenges. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed limits on the number of flights at Newark Airport to mitigate mounting delays and cancellations. These issues stem from ongoing runway construction and persistent FAA staffing problems, which followed a series of air traffic control communication outages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented, "We are going to have, I think, historic flights, the biggest summer that we've had in American history." He acknowledged the stress on the system but assured that safety is a priority and that improvements are expected. Passengers at Newark Airport expressed mixed feelings. One passenger, Alexa, shared, "I'm coming in anticipating that there might be some challenges." Another traveler opted for the train, finding it a less stressful option. Secretary Duffy anticipates improvements at Newark Airport as the summer progresses, with the completion of runway construction mid-June and the return of air traffic controllers from trauma leave. A fiber line installation at the FAA facility is also expected to enhance operations by the end of June. The combination of increased travel and airport challenges presents a complex situation, but the anticipation of improvements offers a positive outlook for the remainder of the summer travel season.