Overall, the airport saw over 120 flights cancelled on Sunday, with some delays spilling over into JFK International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
"I was in the airport for seven hours... a really long day," said air passenger Georgia Mori. "I was supposed fly home yesterday. It's very frustrating."
Air traffic controllers are working without pay amid the ongoing government shutdown, worsening existing staffing shortages.
"The ATC aren't getting paid. The TSA workers aren't getting paid. It's crazy," said traveler Mariellen Stansfield. "I feel sorry for these guys."
On Sunday, arriving flights were grounded for 45 minutes until 10:45 p.m.
"It was horrible just getting in," said passenger Sedrick Singleton. "It's definitely a safety thing too, it's just a weird situation."
On Sunday, officials said the average delay at Newark Airport was about two hours, with some flights being more than three hours late.
Currently, a ground stop is in effect, with delays of up to three hours.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said travelers should expect even more delays and cancellations.
"If the government doesn't open in the next week or two, we'll look back as these were the good days, not the bad days. It's only going to get worse," Duffy warned.
Officials recommend travelers check their flight status before heading to the airport, and to also be prepared for longer waits, schedule changes, gate holds or missed connections.
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