The summer of 2025 is expected to be particularly busy at airports. Photo: CNN
US air travel has had a difficult year marked by safety incidents, air traffic control problems and fatal accidents.
This year, the US airline industry is accelerating plans to overhaul the entire system.
The year 2025 begins with a tragedy in Washington. Statistics show that 67 people were killed in a collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter in Washington, DC on February 2, 2025.
Growing concern has led many Americans to pay more attention to collisions between commercial jetliners and the go-arounds pilots perform to prevent accidents.
To make matters worse, recent air traffic control problems have also affected Newark Liberty International Airport. Staffing shortages and technology failures have also caused hours-long delays.
This summer is peak season, with United Airlines expecting to carry 300,000 more passengers than last year.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expecting record passenger numbers for the holiday weekend, with 2025 set to be the busiest summer in 15 years, peaking in late July.
The agency said it was preparing for the summer, with tourism industry experts warning that staff shortages and infrastructure problems could complicate the situation.
The Department of Transportation and the FAA are planning to address these issues at airports and air traffic control facilities, but a full overhaul of the air traffic control system will take at least the next three to four years.
Busy tourist season
If you're traveling in the summer, be sure to plan for potential disruptions. Disruptions "get worse every summer," says Hayley Berg, chief economist at travel booking and price tracking company Hopper.
More travelers are choosing to fly in the summer, Ms. Berg said, and busier airports are also showing the impact of staffing shortages.
Air traffic and staff at the airport are not enough to maintain stable operations.
Overall, disruptions were down in May compared to previous years, according to Ms. Berg. However, some specific airports had a bad month this year.
Newark Liberty International Airport has dealt with four power outages since April 28. Staff at the flight control facility are stretched thin. One runway is still under construction.
In May, the FAA ordered airlines to reduce flights at Newark by about 25%, compared to early April.
After June 15, when runway construction is no longer underway, some flights may return — but the airport will still be restricted to fewer flights.
Les Abend, a retired American Airlines Boeing 777 captain, said Newark airport's problem is not unique.
Incidents such as power outages at the air traffic control area in Newark create a "domino effect" that is also seen with flights elsewhere.
In addition, a shortage of air traffic controllers and summer storms are slowing operations, frustrating passengers.
The reality is that we are seeing infrastructure break down. To some extent, it is just “debris”. And then there is the frustration of travelers because of delays or cancellations.
Abend predicts no system-wide disruptions this summer.
“It’s a safety system. If you lose contact with air traffic control, we as pilots have systems and protocols in place to do certain things,” said Abend.
“Busy summer”
Domestic airfares fell about 3% year-on-year, the lowest since 2021, according to Hopper's 2025 summer travel outlook report.
Fares to Europe are also down about 8% compared to 2024.
“I expect a business-as-usual summer, possibly with less crowds as people choose to travel during the week,” said Berg.
However, a recent Bankrate survey found that 54% of respondents said they expect to spend less on travel, dining out or entertainment this year than they did last year.
Of those surveyed, 65% of Americans not traveling this summer said they couldn't afford it, and another 23% said they weren't interested.
United Airlines has a major hub in Newark and is expected to serve more passengers this summer.
In June, July and August, United expects to have about 50 million passengers, up about 3 million from last summer.
Speaking to the media, United said they are confident about operating in Newark this summer.
Earlier this year, the airline cut more than 35 round-trip flights from its schedule to Newark.
United and other airlines at Newark also noted further flight cuts, but they are still considering future developments to adjust.
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