FAA Caps Newark Flights to Fix Delays from Construction Woes
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting June 6, 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport is cutting back the number of scheduled flights to fix big delays caused by construction, staffing, and equipment problems. This change affects airlines flying in and out of Newark and will last until December 31, 2025. The goal? Smoother skies, fewer delays, and happier travelers without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
Penalties for Exceeding Limits Per Flight
A carrier that operates above the limits may face civil penalties: up to $75,000 per flight for carriers that are not small businesses, and up to $16,630 per flight for carriers that are small businesses. The FAA may also seek injunctions in U.S. District Court.
Hourly Flight Caps at Newark
From June 6, 2025 through June 15, 2025 (and on weekends from September 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, Fri 11 p.m. to Sun 5 a.m. ET), scheduled operations at Newark (EWR) are limited to no more than 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour. From June 16, 2025 through October 25, 2025, the limit is no more than 34 arrivals and 34 departures per hour.
No New Scheduled Flights Allowed
While the Order is in effect, the FAA will not accommodate any new scheduled operations at Newark (EWR); existing scheduled timings are the only ones to be accommodated under the Order. The FAA encourages use of nearby airports for additional regional access.
Historic Priority for Reduced Timings Retained
Carriers will retain historic priority for the next corresponding scheduling season for authorized scheduled timings that were reduced or re-timed under the delay reduction proceedings, subject to any prioritization requests reviewed by the FAA and DOT.
Order Intends to Reduce Delays for Travelers
The FAA states the Order is intended to relieve substantial inconvenience to the traveling public caused by excessive flight delays at Newark and to provide more efficient use of the national airspace from June 6, 2025 until December 31, 2025.
Unscheduled Flights Handled First-Come
The FAA will continue to accept unscheduled operations at Newark — such as cargo, charter, or nonscheduled foreign carrier flights — on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to approval by FAA Slot Administration and EWR terminal approval.
Approval Required to Move or Swap Timings
Carriers must obtain the FAA Administrator's written approval before moving a scheduled arrival or departure outside its authorized half-hour window, and any swap between carriers requires written notice from designated representatives and FAA confirmation before it takes effect.
FAA Won't Release Carrier-Level Reduction Data
The FAA will not publish disaggregated flight reduction allocations by carrier because that information is protected as business confidential at carrier request; the public may instead review origin and destination data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-13237 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest RequirementsFlightcrew Members
The FAA wants to keep collecting info from airlines about when pilots fly or work longer than allowed and why. This helps spot patterns that could cause safety issues and supports pilot fatigue training. Airlines must keep reporting this, and the public can comment until July 31, 2026—no big cost changes, just keeping safety sharp!
2026-13282 — Mechanic Certification: Inspection Rating and Recent Experience Requirements
The FAA wants to swap the old inspection authorization for a new inspection rating on mechanic certificates, making it easier to keep privileges without renewals or expiration dates. Mechanics will need to keep up with recent experience on their own instead of proving it every couple of years. This change cuts paperwork, saves time, and helps mechanics focus more on safety, with comments open until August 31, 2026.
2026-13293 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest RequirementsFlightcrew Members
The FAA wants to keep collecting info from airlines about when pilots fly or work longer than allowed and why. This helps spot safety risks and improve pilot rest rules. Airlines must keep reporting this, and the public can comment until July 31, 2026—no big cost changes, just smarter safety checks!
2026-13257 — Decommission Remote Communications Outlets (RCOS) Used by Flight Service Stations Within the Conterminous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
The FAA is retiring 674 remote communication outlets (RCOs) used by pilots in the U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico starting September 3, 2026. This change affects pilots relying on these stations for weather and flight info but keeps 262 outlets active to ensure safety and service. The move modernizes aviation communication without extra costs to users.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10585 — Sunshine Act Meetings
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission will hold a closed meeting on June 24, 2025, to review motions in three mining cases. This affects the companies involved and ensures careful, private decision-making on important safety issues. The meeting will be remote or in Washington, DC, with no public access, keeping the process fair and secure.
Next: 2025-10511 — Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
The CDC is asking for your thoughts on a new form to help improve their injury prevention program. They want to make sure the form is useful, clear, and not too much work for people to fill out. You’ve got 30 days to share your ideas before the government decides, so don’t miss out!