United Airlines Cuts 35 Daily Flights at Newark Due to FAA Staffing Crisis, and More

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FAA Staffing Shortage Forces United to Cut 10% of Newark Flights

United Airlines has announced the cancellation of 35 daily round-trip flights from Newark Liberty International Airport, approximately 10% of its operations at this hub, due to ongoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staffing shortages and technology failures.

The cuts, which began this weekend, come after Newark experienced significant operational disruptions with hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations throughout last week.

Key Points

• Over 20% of FAA controllers assigned to Newark reportedly "walked off the job" amid technology failures

• The air traffic control facility handling Newark has been "chronically understaffed for years"

• One runway at Newark is closed for repairs until mid-June 2025, compounding the issues

• Some arriving flights faced delays exceeding three hours last week

• Control of Newark's airspace was shifted to Philadelphia last year to address staffing challenges

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that outdated technology is contributing to the problems

• The FAA is approximately 3,500 controllers short of its staffing goals nationwide

What It Means

The cuts reflect a breaking point in the long-standing tension between airlines and the FAA over infrastructure and staffing limitations at major hubs.

With the summer travel season approaching, passengers should anticipate continued disruptions at Newark and potentially other airports as the controller shortage cannot be quickly resolved.

This situation highlights the urgent need for modernization of both air traffic control technology and workforce development in the aviation sector.

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2. Alaska Airlines Integrates AI-Driven Jumio ID Verification for Travelers

Alaska Airlines has partnered with Jumio to integrate AI-driven biometric ID verification into its mobile app.

This allows travelers with U.S. and Canadian passports to verify documents without standing in line at check-in counters.

The technology aims to expedite airport processes, helping passengers reach security in under five minutes while maintaining robust identity verification standards across 5,000+ ID subtypes globally.

3. SITA's North American Airline Technology Report

SITA's 2024 North American Air Transport IT Insights report reveals cybersecurity and AI as top IT investment priorities for North American airlines.

77% ranked cybersecurity among their top three priorities, while 45% named AI as their primary focus.

The region shows advanced AI maturity with 72% already training models with collected data—double the global average—positioning these carriers at the forefront of aviation's digital transformation ahead of projected passenger growth.

4. Major Airlines Avoiding Pakistan Airspace Amid Rising Tensions

Air France, Lufthansa, and other global carriers are avoiding Pakistani airspace due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir.

The rerouting has increased flight times and fuel costs, with Lufthansa's Frankfurt-Delhi route taking nearly an hour longer.

This airspace restriction comes simultaneously with European and U.S. carriers also canceling flights to Israel after Houthi missiles landed near Ben Gurion Airport.

5. Airlines Halt Israel Flights After Missile Strike

International airlines, including Delta, United, Lufthansa Group, and Air France, have suspended flights to Israel after a Houthi missile landed near Ben Gurion Airport.

The disruption has left many passengers stranded, with cancellations extending through May 7 for some carriers.

El Al, Israel's flag carrier, has introduced rescue flights from Larnaca and Athens.

The Houthis claimed responsibility, declaring Israel's main airport "no longer safe for air travel.

6. Global Airlines Launches First A380 Passenger Services Across Europe

Startup Global Airlines has completed its first passenger flights with its Airbus A380, registered as 9H-GLOBL, in partnership with Hi Fly.

The aircraft operated routes between Beja, Barcelona, Berlin, and London on May 2-3, 2025.

This milestone precedes the airline's planned transatlantic services beginning May 15 with Glasgow-New York JFK flights, followed by Manchester-New York JFK services on May 21, as the new carrier works to establish its ultra-large aircraft operations.

7. TAP Air Portugal Adopts Comply365 Platform to Enhance Operations

TAP Air Portugal has selected Comply365's operational content management platform to standardize its document authoring and management processes.

The partnership will streamline the airline's handling of operational manuals and documentation across both TAP and its subsidiary Portugalia Airlines.

The solution provides mobile access to essential documents through an intuitive interface, available online and offline, enhancing regulatory compliance while boosting operational efficiency for the carrier's 2,500 weekly flights to 90 destinations.

8. Air New Zealand Unveils Premium Boeing 787 Dreamliner Cabin

Air New Zealand has revealed its $35 million per aircraft 787 Dreamliner retrofit, featuring industry-leading cabin improvements across all classes.

Premium economy seats have hard shells preventing recline impact on passengers behind, while economy boasts 13.3-inch screens—50% larger than before.

Business Premier Luxe offers retractable privacy screens and 24-inch entertainment displays.

The airline has prioritized sleep comfort with enhanced lighting and noise reduction, with the first retrofitted 787-9 (ZK-NZH) entering service to Brisbane and San Francisco in two weeks.

9. Finnair Cancels 100 Flights Due to Helsinki Airport Labor Strike

Finnair is canceling approximately 100 flights from Helsinki Airport due to a four-hour industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union on May 5, affecting 7,500 passengers.

The staggered strike impacts ground handling, cargo services, and baggage processing operations.

Passengers have been offered rebooking options via digital platforms or refunds for canceled flights.

The airline warns of another similar strike planned for May 16, recommending travelers pack essentials in carry-on luggage due to potential baggage handling delays.

10. Air Seychelles Partners with Airbus to Optimize A320neo Fleet Efficiency

Air Seychelles has selected Airbus Flight Hour Services - Fleet Technical Management to enhance its A320neo fleet operations.

The agreement provides continuing airworthiness management, engineering support, and preventive maintenance actions aimed at improving operational reliability while reducing costs.

The partnership builds on a relationship that began in 2012 when Air Seychelles first adopted the A320.

This technical collaboration leverages Airbus's engineering expertise to minimize unplanned maintenance and operational interruptions for the national carrier's aircraft fleet.