Prayer Rooms Bring a Moment of Calm to Newark’s Travel Turmoil

Flying can be one of the nicest ways to travel when things go smoothly and as planned. Once passengers board, they can kick back and leave the navigating to someone else while they enjoy a movie, nap, a good book, or perhaps a game. However, the Newark Liberty International Airport in particular has really had its struggles with offering an uneventful flight to its passengers.

Incredibly long flight delays and even cancellations have been the primary problem at Newark. According to WABC, that all began last Monday when a fried piece of copper wire caused a roughly one-minute blackout of air traffic control computer screens, radars, and communications with pilots.

This issue led to a shortage of air traffic controllers because several of them went on medical leave, claiming the situation was traumatic. They can take 45 or more days off work, and a doctor must evaluate them and permit them to return. This exacerbated a shortage that was already causing some struggles.

Since that incident, about 39 flights per day have been canceled, and only 63 percent are running on time, according to a Circum report picked up by WABC. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working on bolstering staff by bringing in the most experienced supervisors from various parts of the nation, but it will take some time to make this happen. In addition, controllers close to retirement are being offered a 20 percent immediate bonus if they put off their retirement. 

The FAA said other issues Newark (EWR) is having include construction and weather, according to Fox News. Homeland Security is adding to delays by enforcing the Real ID requirement, according to WABC.

Texas-based author of "How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes" Brandon Blewett told Fox News Digital that, "I'd consider alternatives to EWR like LGA and JFK until the runway reopens and ATC staffing stabilizes," said Blewett. "It may be more of a headache in traffic, but it seems you're less likely to be stranded for the time being."

Texas-based travel industry expert Gary Leff said, "If you're connecting, it's often a good idea to avoid New York airports. If you originate in New York, it really depends on where in the city you're based." 

Other options for those who prefer to avoid flying altogether are to travel by FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, or rent a vehicle. 

For those who choose to go through Newark and get stuck, there are things to pass the time, such as restaurants and airport souvenir shops. There's also a prayer and meditation room available in Terminal C, and in Terminal A, there's local artwork, a children's play space, a children's lending library, and a sensory room, according to Port Authority NY NJ.

Related Article: 10 Powerful Prayers for Safe Travel and Protection

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Left: Jeff Greenberg/Contributor Right: Spencer Platt/Staff

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities. 

Originally published May 07, 2025.