Flights at Newark airport likely to be boosted next week, FAA says

By David Shepardson

June 2 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration said it plans to boost the number of flights at Newark Liberty International Airport next week after a runway reopened on Monday nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau said at a press conference at the airport that the runway is already being used for departing flights but that it will take until June 9 to certify it for arrivals before the rate can be increased to 34 arriving flights per hour from the present 28. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the airport should rise to 34 arriving flights per hour on June 10.

Last month, the FAA ordered a reduction in flights to a maximum of 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour until runway construction was completed. After that, the maximum arrival and departure rates will rise to 34 per hour until October 25.

Newark, New Jersey, is a major hub for United Airlines UAL.O, which operates nearly 70% of the airport's flights and has sharply cut flights.

"If you are buying a ticket today you can have confidence," United CEO Scott Kirby said at a press conference along with the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. He noted that bookings had declined at Newark, which means that prices and ticket availability are better than historically even with the flight cuts.

Newark Liberty, one of the main airports serving New York City, is about 9 miles (14.5 km) from Manhattan.

Operations at Newark have improved significantly after the federal government imposed flight cuts following a series of major disruptions.

Under normal circumstances, Newark could handle 77 total flights per hour. The FAA last year relocated control of Newark's airspace to Philadelphia to address staffing and congested New York City-area traffic. The facility in Philadelphia that oversees Newark airspace has faced numerous technology issues.

Newark in recent weeks has often suffered delays of five or more hours and dozens of daily canceled or delayed flights.

Nationwide, the staffing of FAA air traffic controllers is about 3,500 short of the level targeted by the agency.

The area overseeing Newark has a targeted staffing level of 38 certified controllers, but currently has just 22 in place, six of whom are on stress or medical leave now, Duffy said. The FAA has another 22 controllers in training for Newark air traffic, he added.