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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced significant updates regarding the ongoing issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. Speaking from Washington, D.C., Duffy outlined plans to address the problems caused by recent telecommunications failures at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Tracon facility in Philadelphia, which manages Newark's airspace, will receive 16 additional air traffic controllers by fall. This comes after five controllers took mental health leave last month due to a 90-second communication blackout that left them traumatized.
Duffy emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the nation's air traffic control system, citing outdated equipment and insufficient staffing as major concerns. The FAA has already begun testing a new fiber telecommunications line installed by Verizon at Newark Airport, expected to be operational by July. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a new runway and telecom system at the airport in the coming months.
The Transportation Secretary is seeking congressional approval for billions of dollars to modernize aging airport infrastructures across the country. He noted that while the House recently approved $12.5 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this amount falls short of the tens of billions needed for a comprehensive upgrade. Duffy is actively working with Congress to secure the necessary funding to fast-track these improvements.
Despite the challenges, Duffy assured that the airspace remains safe, with a sufficient number of air traffic controllers for the reduced departures currently in place. He highlighted the collaboration with Verizon as an example of the swift progress that can be achieved with adequate funding. As discussions continue in the Senate, Duffy remains optimistic about reaching an agreement to enhance the nation's air traffic control system.