Lone Newark air traffic controller who handled terrifying 90-second outage reveals it’s ‘only a matter of time before we have a fatal crash’

A veteran air traffic controller who was alone during the terrifying 90-second blackout at Newark Liberty International Airport refuses to fly out of the travel hub anymore — saying it’s “only a matter of time” before there’s a “fatal crash.”

Following 90-second traffic control system outage on April 28, 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport has experienced near catastrophic understaffings and mass flight delays. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post

Mass delays are expected to continue as the airport fights through serious understaffing amid the ongoing NJ Transit strikes. REUTERS

The 39-year-old worker told The Times she is too traumatized to work, on stress-related leave and undergoing psychological evaluation after the sudden outage knocked out crucial communications at America’s second busiest airport around 4 a.m. on May 9. The outage followed an equally-long one last month and another in November.

“Do I think it’s safe to fly from or to the airport?” the woman, who spoke to the outlet anonymously, queried.

“Let me put it like this: I deliberately avoid my own airport when booking flights, even if the alternatives are more expensive and less convenient. If Newark’s air traffic control problems don’t get fixed, I believe it’s only a matter of time before we have a fatal crash between two planes.”