United Airlines is powering a sizable rebound in US travel after struggling with debilitating operational failures at Newark Liberty International Airport earlier this year. That new momentum follows a troubled second quarter when the airline suffered delays and cancellations, as well as a 15% drop in load factors from runway closures and air traffic control problems. With the reopening in early June of a critical runway and the F.A.A.’s improvements in airspace management, Newark was now the best-performing New York area airport for on-time arrivals, which will allow United to increase its number of daily flights to 380 flights and help restore faith in travelers just as summer travel demand hits its peak.

United Airlines Rebounds from Newark Airport Setbacks as Runway Reopens and On-Time Rates Soar in June 2025

After enduring a challenging spring marred by operational turbulence at Newark Liberty International Airport, United Airlines is now showing signs of recovery and optimism. Following a series of service disruptions and negative headlines that plagued its second-quarter performance, the airline is beginning to regain traction thanks to infrastructure improvements and more stable air traffic control operations.

Newark Woes Weigh Heavily on United’s Q2 Profitability

During United Airlines’ second-quarter earnings call, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Toby Enqvist revealed that problems stemming from Newark Airport had significantly impacted the carrier’s financial performance. Load factors — a key metric of airline efficiency — plummeted by up to 15% during April and May, as flight delays and cancellations deterred travelers. This dip in operational reliability directly slashed United’s profit margin by approximately 1.2 percentage points in the second quarter.

Passenger frustration was fueled by persistent delays and growing concern over the airport’s reliability. Compounding the situation was a major runway construction project at Newark that limited capacity and constrained flight schedules.

Recovery Begins with Runway Reopening and FAA Stabilization

However, the outlook for United’s Newark operations began to shift dramatically in June. A critical turning point came with the early June reopening of a major runway at Newark, which had been closed for extensive upgrades. The added runway capacity allowed for smoother traffic flow and more flexibility in scheduling, a key improvement for a hub that had become synonymous with delays.

At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made strides in addressing air traffic control (ATC) technology issues and staffing shortages that had contributed to the chaos. With better coordination between air traffic controllers and airport operations, flights began to move more efficiently in and out of the airport.

Together, these developments gave United renewed confidence in its Newark performance for the rest of the year. Nevertheless, the carrier remains cautious, forecasting a continued 1 percentage point drag on margins for the current quarter, ending Sept. 30.

Newark Surges to the Top in June On-Time Rankings

In a striking turnaround, Newark Liberty International Airport led all three major New York-area airports in on-time performance and lowest cancellation rates in June 2025. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Newark recorded a 74.2% on-time arrival rate — significantly ahead of JFK’s 70% and LaGuardia’s 66.7%.

Its cancellation rate stood at a mere 2.1%, narrowly outperforming JFK. This marked a dramatic improvement from the chaos seen in previous months and gave both the airport and United Airlines a much-needed image boost.

United’s Newark Operations Expand Rapidly in June

United Airlines also capitalized on the improved conditions by rapidly scaling up its Newark operations. From a base of 290 daily departures at the start of June, the airline increased its schedule to 350 daily flights by mid-month. By June 26, that number climbed again to 380 daily departures, demonstrating renewed confidence in the hub’s ability to support higher volume.

Jonathan Gooda, who leads United’s Newark operations, noted in a recent interview that the carrier achieved its best-ever on-time performance for a June at the airport — though an exact figure was not disclosed. The rapid operational recovery is seen as a critical step in restoring traveler confidence and ensuring profitability in the second half of the year.

Financial Snapshot: Revenue Growth Undermined by Costs and Missed Forecast

Despite operational progress, United Airlines still reported a mixed financial picture for the second quarter of 2025. Operating revenue reached $15.2 billion, a 1.7% increase year-over-year. However, this fell short of Wall Street estimates by $100 million, according to investment research platform Seeking Alpha.

The company’s operating expenses surged to $13.9 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase fueled by a 5.9% rise in capacity. As a result, United’s net income for the quarter dropped to $973 million — down 26.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

The higher operating costs, exacerbated by Newark-related challenges and broader inflationary pressures, weighed heavily on the company’s margins. While some of this is expected to ease in coming months, the airline is still grappling with a complex recovery landscape.

External Factors Also Play a Role

United’s performance also reflects broader trends across the aviation industry, including fluctuating demand, changing passenger preferences, and geopolitical shifts. Fortunately, airline executives cited increased geopolitical stability as a tailwind for the second half of 2025. More predictable international travel environments could help drive stronger demand across global routes, which make up a significant portion of United’s network.

Outlook for the Remainder of 2025

Looking ahead, United is hopeful that the combination of improved Newark operations, restored customer confidence, and favorable global conditions will help it bounce back from the second-quarter setback. While the airline is still projecting a modest drag on margins in the third quarter due to lingering Newark effects, internal momentum is clearly building.

The carrier also hinted at continued network growth opportunities and efficiency gains across its other hubs, which could help balance any regional weakness.

United Airlines’ Newark saga is a textbook example of how operational issues at a single hub can ripple through an entire network and financial ecosystem. The spring months presented United with serious hurdles, from runway construction and FAA delays to frustrated passengers and media backlash. But with infrastructure upgrades now complete and scheduling recovering rapidly, the airline is turning the corner.

United Airlines is key to a strong US travel rebound as it rebounds from Newark Airport failures with an open runway and better FAA operations. The effects of these adjustments by numeric criteria brought about a sudden stir in punctuality and longer flight schedules during that month of June 2025.

June’s dramatic improvement in on-time performance and flight volume at Newark signals a promising recovery trajectory — one that United hopes to sustain as it enters the back half of the year. With billions on the line and competition intensifying, the pressure is on, but so too is the potential for rebound and renewed success.