The Daily
A Frightening Moment to Fly
May 8, 2025
Kate Kelly, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, sheds light on a critical failure in Newark Airport's air traffic safety systems that left communication blacked out for planes. She discusses the chaos that ensued, highlighting the outdated technology and staffing struggles impacting operational safety. Kelly emphasizes the growing anxiety around air travel as public confidence dwindles after recent incidents. The conversation brings attention to the urgent need for innovation and better safeguards in the nation's air traffic control.
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Quick takeaways
- Recent air traffic control failures at Newark highlight serious concerns about outdated technology and its impact on flight safety.
- Chronic staffing shortages at Newark's air traffic control exacerbate safety risks, raising public anxiety over the reliability of air travel.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Air Travel Safety
Recent failures in U.S. air traffic control systems have raised significant concerns about air travel safety. A notable incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport, where a radar and radio outage left controllers unable to communicate with aircraft for a crucial period. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as there have been multiple near misses and even a deadly crash earlier in the year, raising public anxiety over the reliability of air travel. The combination of these events has led many to question whether it is indeed safe to fly at this time.
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