The move is in response to equipment failures and staff shortages that caused hourslong flight delays in recent weeks.

Should Newark Airport close until air traffic control upgrades are made? Experts and officials debate safety and the economic impact.

Over the past two weeks, several equipment outages at the Philadelphia-based air traffic control center that guides planes to and from Newark Liberty International Airport, have raised questions on just how safe it is to fly at one of the nation’s busiest airports.