Duffy Calls for Probe Into Decision to Move Newark Air Traffic Communications to Philadelphia

The transportation secretary said the move was dangerous because data from New York have to go through old, copper data lines to reach Philadelphia.

The New York City skyline is seen behind Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., on May 7, 2025. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

The Department of Transportation will request an investigation into the Biden administration’s decision last year to move the telecommunications system that handles Newark’s air traffic from New York to Philadelphia, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on May 12.

While speaking at a May 12 press conference with Chris Rocheleau, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Duffy said the recent air traffic control equipment outages at Newark Liberty International Airport were due to a decision made in July 2024 by the Biden administration.