Newark, NJ – After outages and massive delays caused by legacy systems at Newark Airport, the media is keeping silent on breaking news from the Department of Transportation this week.
Not only have some of the problems been fixed by the Trump administration, many more problems will be fixed as the federal government makes a “big beautiful’ investment into air traffic, not only at Newark, but across the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced today that significant progress is being made to address longstanding issues with Newark Liberty International Airport’s air traffic control system, with new infrastructure and technology being deployed.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting and open press conference, Duffy noted that last month saw unprecedented on-time performance at Newark, attributing delays in recent years to shortcomings during the Biden administration and under former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Duffy emphasized the urgency of modernizing the nation’s air traffic control infrastructure, which he described as severely outdated.
The comprehensive plan includes transitioning from copper wire telecommunications to high-speed fiber optics within two years, replacing 1950s-era radar systems nationwide, and constructing new air traffic control centers across the country.
“For decades, critical investments in our aviation infrastructure were neglected,” Duffy stated. “Americans deserve a system that prioritizes safety and reliability, and we’re working to deliver that.”
The modernization effort carries a substantial cost, with an initial $12.5 billion allocated as a starting point. Duffy indicated that the total cost could climb into the tens of billions, with further funding to be sought in the coming years.
Recent disruptions at Newark, including outages that led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, highlighted the need for these upgrades.
Duffy pointed to the recent installation of a new fiber optic line between Philadelphia and New York as a key step in stabilizing operations at Newark, with plans to replicate such improvements nationwide.The initiative has received broad support from lawmakers, air traffic controllers, and major airlines.
However, challenges persist, including a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.
To address this, Duffy has introduced measures such as financial incentives for new hires and retention bonuses for experienced staff.
Duffy expressed confidence that the ongoing upgrades will significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel, with major milestones expected over the next few years.