Rough start to Labor Day holiday weekend travel after ATC communications issue at Newark Airport
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Holiday travel is in full swing for Labor Day weekend as thousand take to the skies and travelers are all hoping to get to their destination on time.
Thursday morning at Newark Liberty International Airport there was a ground stop that had a ripple effect throughout the day as travelers poured in.
The problems resulted from the communications interruptions between air traffic controllers and pilots.
This is the same problem that grounded traffic at Newark Liberty in the spring leading to long delays and cancellations.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey estimates 2.4 million passengers will be traveling through major airports in the area from Newark, JFK, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports during the six-day period which would be a new record for the Labor Day travel period.
United Airlines says they will carry a half million more passengers than they did last year for the holiday. They are fully aware of any issues and say they are ready to help passengers make it to their destination.
"We make sure that our facilities are ready, things are working. We make sure that our staffing is correct and in place, ready to help customers," said Cyrus Sarkari, United Airlines representative. "And we do this over and over again so we have a lot of experience."
For those hitting the roads this holiday weekend, the best times to get behind the wheel are before noon, and before 10 a.m. on Saturday.
It's best to avoid roadways and a possible travel nightmare between 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey estimates approximately 4.2 million vehicles will use bridges and tunnels over the holiday weekend.
That number consistent with volume from the same travel period in 2024.
ALSO READ | Travel with ease this Labor Day: Best times to hit the road, new TSA family lanes
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