The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended but slightly loosened limits on flights at Newark Liberty International Airport through October 2026, as the airport continues to face equipment challenges and a controller shortage. 

The FAA made the announcement Thursday, extending a June order restricting flights at one of the three major airports in the New York City area. The agency increased the hourly flight limit from 68 to 72.

“The move comes after constructive comments from the airport operator and airlines on extending the flight limits to help address congestion at Newark,” the FAA said in the press release. 

The FAA said it aims to “continue maintaining safety while alleviating flight delays due to staffing and equipment challenges, resulting in smoother travel into and out of Newark.” 

Flight cuts in May at the busy airport came after the hub experienced disruptions, including runway construction, shortage of air traffic controllers and technology issues.

In late August, the FAA issued a ground stop at Newark airport due to technology outages and air traffic controller communication issues.

Newark airport is one of United Airlines’s top international hubs.

“Thanks to [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy and [FAA] Administrator [Bryan] Bedford for their leadership in finalizing these capacity reductions for the upcoming seasons – Newark is running better than ever and operating at a level on par with the other major New York City area airports,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement Thursday.

“Now that airline schedules match the actual capacity at EWR, things will only get better as we head into the fall and winter seasons and we look forward to continuing to work with DOT [Department of Transportation] and FAA on a long-term solution to manage the airport’s capacity,” he added.