Bowman’s Travel Brief: Avoid Newark Airport?

by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Mon May 5, 2025

Image: Plane at Newark Airport. (Photo Credit: dima / Adobe Stock)

Is Newark Airport now too dangerous to fly in and out of??

That’s what some air traffic controllers are saying after recently walking off the job, which resulted in United Airlines needing to slash a number of routes.

“‘Don’t fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs. It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public,” a federal air safety employee reportedly told NBC News correspondent Tom Costello.

Yikes.

This is not a good look for Newark, United and really all of the air travel industry.

The air traffic controllers are already understaffed and overworked. The technology they use is also reportedly outdated at Newark. I don’t blame them at all for walking off the job.

Newark continues to deal with delays and cancellations now because of this.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is saying the shortage of air traffic controllers and runway construction are the cause of the issues at Newark right now.

Construction is one thing, but how employees are treated and the working conditions they’re given is another.

This is on the head honchos at the FAA and all of the airlines. There are way too many flights going in and out of the New York area.

How long has it been well-known that Newark is one of if not the worst big airport in the United States?

Why did those in charge let it come to this now?

Hopefully better changes are on the horizon for Newark. But for now, I’d avoid the airport if you can find other options.

Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_

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Eric Bowman

Editor-in-Chief

Eric Bowman is the Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse. A graduate of The University of Georgia, Eric has been working in online media, radio and TV for over a decade. He currently lives in Georgia with his wife, daughter, and son.