CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is welcoming the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposal to maintain strict capacity limits at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) until October 2026, claiming the move will help sustain the airport’s improved reliability.
For United, the decision not only supports operational stability but also preserves its dominant position at one of its key hubs.
The FAA has tentatively extended the cap of 72 flights per hour at Newark, affecting both the Winter 2025 and Summer 2026 seasons.
This limit, initially introduced in May 2024 to address chronic congestion, was reduced from over 80 flights per hour to 68, before being adjusted to the current 72.
United, EWR’s largest carrier, advocated for the restriction, arguing it aligns with the airport’s true operational capacity given infrastructure constraints and FAA staffing levels.
Photo: Clément AlloingFAA Extends Newark Flight Caps
The FAA’s extension builds on measures introduced to improve on-time performance at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
By aligning flight schedules with realistic capacity, the policy has reduced delays and improved punctuality for passengers traveling through EWR.
United Airlines (UA) emphasized that bookings from Newark have rebounded since the policy’s implementation. In a memo to employees, the airline stated the limits are consistent with both the physical capacity of the airport and the FAA’s staffing resources.
The company added that the extension benefits not only customers but also its nearly 15,000 employees based at EWR.
While the restrictions solidify United’s market position in Newark, they also mean fewer total flights. This reduction has slightly decreased United’s overall share in the New York City aviation market, creating opportunities for competitors like Delta Air Lines (DL) to expand their presence.
Photo: Clément AlloingCapacity Extension
United CEO Scott Kirby praised the decision, noting that Newark (EWR) now regularly leads the New York City area in on-time performance.
He credited the improvement to FAA leadership and the Transportation Department oversight, which ensured that flight schedules matched the airport’s actual operational capabilities.
Kirby described Newark as a “safe and reliable crown jewel” for millions of travelers, both domestic and international.
However, the extension could lead to fewer available seats and potentially higher fares. United maintains that the trade-off is justified by the improvement in punctuality and reduced congestion.
Photo: Clément AlloingPassenger Impact
For travelers, the changes mean fewer delays but also fewer options, especially during peak seasons. While summer storms and operational issues can still cause disruptions, Newark’s performance has generally improved since the caps were introduced.
The FAA’s decision marks an uncommon case where the largest airline at an airport welcomes a government-imposed restriction, prioritizing reliability and operational integrity over maximum capacity.
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The post FAA Extends Newark Flight Caps, Boosting United Airlines Reliability appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
