FAA Completes Fiber Optic Network Upgrade in Newark

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed the activation of a new fiber optic communications network supporting air traffic control at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The upgrade was announced Thursday by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

The new network replaces aging infrastructure that had been associated with multiple telecommunications failures in recent months. These failures contributed to air traffic delays and temporary reductions in the airport’s operational capacity, prompting calls from airline and industry groups for federal action.

The FAA laid the fiber optic cables in June and conducted system testing throughout the past month before transitioning to the new network early Thursday morning. Officials say the fiber optic system is expected to reduce the risk of future disruptions and improve the overall reliability of air traffic communications at Newark.

BIG NEWARK AIRPORT UPDATE:

We did it! After Biden and Buttigieg ignored the telecom breakdowns with air traffic control for Newark Airport, we vowed to fix the problems.

Early this morning, @FAANews completed the transition to a brand-new fiber optic communications network… https://t.co/dYUvAecgqT

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 3, 2025

“This marks a critical milestone in our work to make flying safer and more efficient at Newark Airport,” Duffy said in a social media statement.

The airport has experienced a series of operational challenges in recent months, including airspace congestion and staffing shortages, in addition to the recent telecommunications breakdowns.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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