Ground Stop At Newark Airport Causes Severe Flight Delays In NJ (UPDATED)

NEWARK, NJ — A ground stop was issued for planes arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Monday, causing flight delays for passengers, reports say.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), departures to Newark Airport were grounded on Monday afternoon.

Delays of 75 minutes were initially reported for departures at the busy airport. Meanwhile, arrivals were delayed an average of 15 minutes, the FAA reported.

The delays to departing planes grew to an average of 120 minutes, the FAA updated at 3:28 p.m.

"Due to FAA equipment outage, arrivals and departures are currently delayed at [Newark Airport]," the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported.

“There is no estimated completion time yet,” Port Authority officials stated on social media around 3:30 p.m.

Airport officials advised passengers to contact their airlines for current flight information.

The FAA said that it slowed arrivals and departures at Newark Airport after Philadelphia TRACON – which guides aircrafts in and out of Newark – saw telecommunications and equipment issues. “Staffing issues” at the Philadelphia operations center also reportedly contributed to the frustrations.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

RUNWAY REHAB

Port Authority officials recently noted that runway rehabilitation work may impact flight schedules through mid-June.

According to an advisory from the bi-state agency:

“From April 15, 2025 to mid-June 2025, Runway 4L-22R will be fully closed for rehabilitation work as part of a $121 million rehabilitation project. This work is designed to maintain the runway in a state of good repair, improve its infrastructure, meet the latest FAA standards, and ensure its continued safe operation. To minimize operational impacts during this period, the FAA will redirect flight activity to the airport’s other runways. While Runway 4L-22R is closed, Runways 4R-22L and 11-29 will remain operational. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for any updates, as flight schedules may be affected.”

According to the Port Authority, the 11,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway, the busiest at EWR for departing flights, was last rehabilitated in 2014. The current project will include a new paved surface and upgraded lighting and signage.

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