A 75-minute ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday afternoon disrupted flights as staffing shortages escalated concerns over air traffic control operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted all departures and arrivals from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., with delays persisting at a 40-minute rate afterward. A ground delay remained in effect through 11 p.m., complicating travel for thousands of passengers.

The crisis stems from the ongoing government shutdown, which left air traffic controllers unpaid for their first time in decades. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed alarm over the growing strain on personnel, noting that some controllers have taken second jobs or called out sick to cope with financial pressure. The FAA has restricted flight operations at airports facing controller shortages to ensure safety, leading to unpredictable delays across the country.

Recent data shows a sharp rise in delays linked to staffing issues: 44% of Sunday’s flight disruptions and 24% on Monday were directly tied to controller absences. This marks a dramatic increase from previous levels, with some airports experiencing over two-hour delays or temporary flight suspensions. The situation has worsened at Newark, where prior months saw cancellations, technological failures, and construction projects further straining operations.

Duffy criticized the political impasse, stating that controllers face “zero-dollar paychecks” as negotiations stall. Meanwhile, White House officials condemned the shutdown as “horrible and totally unnecessary,” urging lawmakers to resolve the crisis. The FAA has taken steps to reduce congestion at Newark by cutting flights in May, but the underlying staffing challenges persist.