Technology from the Past Storming the Skies Again: Major Communication Breakdown at US Airport Newark Near New York
Unauthorized entry detected at Newark airport close to New York City, marking another significant airport security incident in the United States.
Snap Instagram TextNow Email Share Copy Link A major communication breakdown has cropped up for the second time in two weeks at the international US airport Newark, situated west of New York. As per the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday, air traffic controllers faced difficulty communicating with pilots of aircraft taking off and landing for a staggering 90 seconds.
The disruption took place during the early morning hours of Friday, at around 3:55 AM local time. According to a succinct FAA announcement, flight controllers experienced problems with communication with pilots and radar screens, as well as ground communication systems. This incident, similar to one that transpired on April 28, led to the cancellation of numerous flights. In response, United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg unveiled plans for an ambitious modernization of the nation's air traffic control system on the previous Thursday. By the end of 2028, technology still partly rooted in the '60s will be superseded.
Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the three airports catering to the New York metropolitan area, is often plagued with overcrowding. In recent times, there has been an escalated discourse concerning air safety in the US. In late January, the deadliest plane crash in the US since 2009 transpired at the national airport of the US capital Washington. A passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.
In light of recent events, it's worth noting that plans are currently underway to shift the nation's air traffic control system to cutting-edge technology. On May 8, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced these plans, stressing the need for upgrades and state-of-the-art infrastructure, including replacing present telecommunications with modern fiber, wireless, and satellite technology, and building six new air traffic control coordination centers. The push for modernization is mainly driven by the need to enhance safety and decrease delays across the air traffic control system.
However, it's unclear how these security glitches at Newark Airport specifically affect the modernization plan. The efforts toward modernizing the air traffic control system are primarily aimed at addressing safety and efficiency concerns across the entire national system.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP, 1, 2, 3
- A technician might face another challenge as the security breach at the US airport Newark near New York, following the communication breakdown, requires immediate attention.
- Amidst federal politics and general news, the recent crime-and-justice incident at Newark Airport, involving a communication outage, raises concerns for travelers.
- Despite the whatsapp group chats and email updates, United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg continues to prioritize the modernization of the air traffic control system in the face of repeated incidents like the one at Newark Airport.
- The recent security breach and communication outage at the Newark airport, USA, serves as a stark reminder of the aging technology in the air travel sector, underscoring the urgency for the planned 2028 upgrade.
