NEW YORK (PIX11) — Newark International Airport experienced significant flight delays Friday afternoon.

A ground delay was issued until 10:59 p.m. due to an equipment failure, according to the National Airspace System Status. A ground control was issued earlier Friday and was lifted around 4 p.m.

Why are ground stops made at New York airports?

A ground delay is implemented to control the volume of air traffic to airports where traffic demand is expected to exceed the airport acceptance rate for an extended period of time.

“The FAA is slowing flights at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey this afternoon due to an equipment issue,” an FAA spokesperson said.

Newark International Airport urged customers to contact their airline for information on the status of each flight.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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