Newark Airport Caps Flights to Fight Delays from Construction Chaos
Published Date: 5/23/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting May 20, 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport is temporarily limiting the number of scheduled flights to cut down on delays caused by construction and staffing problems. This change affects airlines and travelers by making flight schedules tighter but smoother, helping everyone get where they need to go on time. The limits will stay until a final plan is ready, aiming to make flying through Newark less frustrating and more efficient.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Hourly flight caps at Newark (EWR)
Starting May 20, 2025, Newark Liberty (EWR) is limited to no more than 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour (56 total) every day through June 15, 2025, and on weekends from September 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 (Friday 11:00 p.m. through Sunday 5:00 a.m.). Outside that construction period and until the close of the Summer 2025 Scheduling Season on October 25, 2025, the limit is no more than 34 arrivals and 34 departures per hour (68 total). These limits apply each day from 6:00 a.m. through 10:59 p.m., Eastern Time.
Per-flight civil penalties for violations
The FAA may seek civil penalties for any flight operated above the limits: up to $75,000 per flight for a carrier that is not a small business and up to $16,630 per flight for a carrier that is a small business, and may also seek injunctions in U.S. District Court.
No new flights allowed during construction
During the construction period and for the remainder of the Summer 2025 Scheduling Season (construction daily closure through June 15, 2025 and weekends Sep 1–Dec 31, 2025 as described; Summer season ends October 25, 2025), the FAA will not accommodate any new unscheduled or scheduled operations at EWR.
Approval required for schedule moves and swaps
Carriers must obtain the Administrator's written approval before moving any scheduled arrival or departure outside its authorized half-hour window between 6:00 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Swaps between carriers require written notice and FAA confirmation; swaps under the same marketing control may be approved up to 72 hours after the operation only to address same-day operational disruptions.
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