A retired United Airlines pilot is sounding the alarm over serious safety concerns at Newark Liberty International Airport… and his message is directly aimed at federal regulators.
Tom Mannello, a veteran commercial pilot with decades of experience, recently shared his concerns on TMZ Live, warning that flying into Newark has become only “moderately safe” due to a combination of systemic issues.
His comments come in the wake of alarming radar outages that have plagued the New Jersey airport… including one major incident on April 28 when air traffic controllers lost both radar visuals and radio communication with aircraft for approximately 90 seconds. The outage caused widespread flight disruptions and pushed at least five controllers to take trauma leave for over a month.
Even more troubling, Mannello noted, the same radar issues resurfaced again just days later from the same control center, signaling that the problem is far from resolved.
“This isn’t just a Newark problem,” Mannello emphasized. “This is part of a larger breakdown in our air traffic control infrastructure… and it’s been brewing for years.”
He cited ongoing staffing shortages, outdated technology, budget constraints, and even weather conditions as factors making air travel riskier. Construction work at the airport is only compounding the issue.
Mannello, who was nearly aboard United Flight 23 on September 11… a flight believed to have been targeted by terrorists… is no stranger to high-risk scenarios. He continued flying after 9/11, which makes his current warnings even more unsettling.
Despite his concerns, Mannello isn’t advocating for people to stop flying entirely. In fact, he plans to travel as a passenger soon. But he is urging the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to fast-track modernization efforts and address the crumbling air traffic system before disaster strikes.
With major system overhauls reportedly on the horizon, Mannello’s firsthand account and urgent call for reform may finally put Newark… and the nation’s air traffic control system… under the scrutiny it needs.
