**Travel Chaos Unfolds as Newark Airport Grounds All Flights Due to Staffing Crisis**

Travelers faced significant disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday as severe staffing shortages led to a complete standstill of flight operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that no flights were departing for the New Jersey airport until at least 6:14 p.m. ET, cautioning that the halt could be extended further due to ongoing issues.

The FAA's Air Traffic Control System Command Center attributed the crisis to a severe lack of personnel, compounded by delays from air traffic control outages and ongoing runway construction. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines immediately for updates on their flights.

Nearly 160 flights were either delayed or canceled due to the unexpected shutdown, leaving travelers stranded and frustrated. Although the Port Authority later confirmed that normal operations had resumed, the chaos had already caused significant disruptions.

Efforts to improve Newark Airport have been acknowledged, with FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasizing the dedication to maintaining safety and efficiency. However, the recent mess has cast doubt on these assurances. Initial reports from Today.com estimated around 106 flights were affected, impacting both incoming and outgoing services.

Social media was rife with complaints from frustrated travelers, who vented their anger over the situation. The airport's handling of the situation was widely criticized, with some describing Newark as the worst airport in the United States. The disruptions also spread to ground transport, as rail services were halted between terminals B and A, necessitating a replacement bus service.

The incident came hot on the heels of another unusual event, where a young boy had to be rescued from a conveyor belt in the baggage reclaim area. Thankfully, the child was unharmed, but the episode added to the beleaguered airport’s woes.

Criticism was also directed at Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had recently boasted about early completion of runway construction and increased hiring. The irony was not lost on social media users, who were quick to highlight how these improvements seemed futile in light of the latest crisis.

Additional outrage was stirred up by Congressman Jared Moskowitz, who slammed the Trump administration during a House committee hearing for failing to deliver on promises of more efficient government operations. He sarcastically used the Newark debacle to underscore his point.

Despite the turmoil, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau assured that efforts to improve staffing levels were ongoing and that significant improvements would be visible by October. Meanwhile, passengers are advised to stay in close contact with their airlines and prepare for possible delays.

The havoc at Newark is just the latest incident in a series of operational failures that have plagued the airport, pointing to broader systemic issues that need urgent addressing. With ongoing complaints and disruptions, travelers continue to bear the brunt of a failing air travel infrastructure.