NJ residents join in record Thanksgiving travel

Concern that shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays at Newark airport

Ted Goldberg | November 27, 2024 | Transportation

For the fourth straight year, New Jerseyans in record numbers are set to travel for Thanksgiving.

According to projections from AAA, more than 2 million people from the Garden State will drive, fly, or go by bus and train during the holiday.

“I almost sound like a broken record. But again, it is a record,” said Tracy Noble, a spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “People are looking to spend time with family, friends, loved ones, and they’re certainly going to be on the move this year.”

The record number of travelers could pose problems at Newark Liberty International Airport, where a shortage of air traffic controllers could lead to delayed flights.

“People should know that safety is never at risk,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker at a news conference last week. “If we’re short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe.”

United Airlines, which uses Newark airport as a hub, has criticized the FAA for not doing enough to hire additional air traffic controllers.