United Airlines Tries To Lure Customers Back To Newark With Lower Prices As A Shuttered Runway Reopens

Newark Liberty International Airport will reopen a runway on Monday that had been under construction and contributed to its recent chaos, as United Airlines (UAL) looks to win back customers who began avoiding the beleaguered airport altogether.

Photo: KENA BETANCUR / Contributor (Getty Images)

Runway 4L-22R is reopening 13 days early after “around-the-clock work” accelerated its project schedule, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The $121 million project began in early March and required a full 24/7 runway closure that started on April 15 and was set to conclude on June 15.

The work caused delays and disruptions, exacerbated by serious air traffic controller issues still plaguing the facility. Many controllers took leave after twice losing contact with planes out of Newark, forcing airlines to cancel and delay thousands of flights.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted on X that his department “will continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improve the staffing pipeline for the airspace” now that the runway is fixed.

United, which has a hub in Newark, was hit the hardest by the chaos at the airport. Its CEO Scott Kirby said the airline lost innumerable bookings amid the disruptions and that the company is going to slash prices to try to convince customers to go back to Newark.

A ticket price is “going to be the cheapest it’s probably ever going to be in history,” he told the Wall Street Journal during a live event. “I don’t really like that, but you ought to book.”

Kirby said Thursday that many passengers had chosen to go to the other major airports in the region, John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York City, instead.

But customers who want to fly United out of JFK will soon have an easier time. The company also announced Thursday that it is partnering with JetBlue (JBLU), allowing customers to book JetBlue flights out of JFK through United.

“This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a news release.

Ben Kesslen

United Airlines Says It Has 'No Other Choice' But To Cancel Flights From Newark Airport

United Airlines is canceling dozens of daily flights to and from Newark Liberty International Airport because the airport "cannot handle the number of planes" coming in and out.

Newark Liberty International Airport is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers, forcing flight cancellations.Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

CEO Scott Kirby made the announcement on Friday, citing a staff shortage at the airport's air traffic control.

"Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead," Kirby said in a letter to customers. "We feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers."

Air traffic control issues have plagued Newark in recent weeks, causing major delays. In response, many airport workers walked off the job, exacerbating the problem.

"Technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on to manage the airplanes coming in and out of Newark airport failed, resulting in dozens of diverted flights, hundreds of delayed and canceled flights, and worst of all, thousands of customers with disrupted travel plans," Kirby said in a statement to customers on Friday.

Kirby blamed a "chronically understaffed" air traffic control facility and a lack of intervention as the root causes.

The airline operates around 300 daily round-trip flights on average.

United, which operates as a major hub there, has long pushed the government to reclassify Newark as a "Level 3" airport, which would allow the FAA to limit the number of scheduled flights based on capacity and infrastructure constraints.

Several factors have contributed to the ongoing air traffic controller shortage in the United States. A 2023 report from the Department of Transportation found that the FAA still faced staffing challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause on training. The report said the FAA "lacks a plan to address" the staffing issues, which "in turn poses a risk to the continuity of air traffic operations."

Air traffic controllers are also hard to staff because they have specific age requirements. The FAA requires that air traffic controllers retire when they turn 56, and the agency is now only accepting applications from people under the age of 31.

In a call with US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, however, Kirby expressed optimism: "We're pleased that the new administration has put together a proposal for a large, systemwide investment in FAA technology, infrastructure and staffing," he said.

Duffy said Thursday the FAA is on track to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers this year. His plan also includes monetary incentives of up to $10,000 for academy graduates who are assigned to "hard-to-staff" air traffic facilities. The proposal would also provide financial incentives to staff, reward academy graduates, and expand the number of instructors.

"Today's actions will supercharge the air traffic controller workforce from both retention and hiring side of the equation — bringing us one step closer to reversing decades of staffing declines," Duffy said in a statement.

Duffy added on X: "We are working to harden the system. But this is why it's critical that we build an all-new air traffic control system."

United's CEO unveiled a three-point plan in March to reduce delays. The plan focused on investing in staffing, technology, and facilities, after the company announced it would cut back on its domestic flight schedule by 4% in July.

Milan Sehmbi,Kenneth Niemeyer

Lufthansa Group Unveils New Premium Lounge Experience At Newark Liberty International Airport

Lufthansa Group has officially opened its brand new, premium lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal B. Designed and created by Germany’s Kitzig Design Studios International, the final product involved approximately 30 local companies to bring the project to fruition. This approximately 10 million USD venture underscores Lufthansa's commitment to invest in their customers and provide an unparalleled preflight experience.

“Lufthansa Group is investing 2.5 billion euro into product enhancements up until 2025, and investments in our lounges are an important part of this,” said Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Airlines Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. “The quality of the overall customer experience, on the ground and onboard, is of utmost importance to us, and therefore upgrades, refurbishments and newly introduced products are occurring at a rapid pace.”

Designed with the passenger in mind

The new lounge boasts a spacious and modern design spanning over 6,370 square feet, offering a comfortable, modern and relaxing atmosphere for approximately 165 guests – a 25% increase in capacity from the previous lounge. The space caters specifically to Lufthansa Group's First Class, Business Class, HON and Senator passengers. Furthermore, not only Lufthansa’s premium passengers have access to the new lounge, but also the customers from other Lufthansa Group airlines that serve Newark Airport – namely Austrian Airlines and SWISS.

The lounge’s multifunctional design caters to every need prior to the actual flight. One-third of the space is dedicated to working and business needs, offering functional community tables. All tables offer the possibility of wireless charging and power plugs, and wireless printing is available as well. The remaining area prioritizes relaxation with comfort seating options targeted towards different sized groups – from a single seat for a sole traveler to couples seating and larger group clusters. Two multifunctional private rooms provide a place for calls, meetings, or even a space for children. The lounge design features urban elements with a nod to the industrial sector, creating a modern and luxurious environment for all guests.

Culinary offerings, including local fare

As a nod to its New Jersey location, Lufthansa Group aims to bring a variety of locally farmed ingredients from the region to the table. The lounge’s Bistro culinary area will offer a rotating menu offering a selection of fresh local food items. The summer offering will include Jersey corn sweet bread with candied tomato jam and BLT sandwiches with trumpet mushrooms, bacon, crispy lettuce and Jersey tomato jam on sourdough bread. First Class passengers and HONs are offered a private dining section that features an a la carte menu comprised of two appetizers, two main courses and dessert, as well as a dedicated selection of premium wines and champagne. For passengers seeking a refreshment, the Skyline Bar, positioned in the center of the lounge, features a delightful selection of cocktails, New Jersey craft beer on tap, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage options prepared by a dedicated bartender team.

Lufthansa’s worldwide lounge service

Lufthansa currently operates approximately 60 lounges at 17 destinations worldwide, offering customers a relaxing sanctuary wherever their travels take them. Based upon their cabin class and status, Lufthansa passengers can have access to four distinct types of lounge spaces – First Class, Senator, Business and Frankfurt’s Welcome Lounge – each providing a pleasant respite in which to wait for a flight, relax or work.