With historic air traffic control issues, new rules at TSA checkpoints, and plenty of exciting route launches ahead of summer, May 2025 was a momentous month for air travel news.
Here’s a look at this month’s top headlines, which ranged from proposed air travel system overhauls to airlines refreshing their onboard experiences before the busy summer vacation season.
Officials Scrambled to End Flight Disruptions at Newark Airport
One of the biggest stories of May 2025 was the ongoing flight schedule chaos at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The situation began in the last few days of April, when air traffic controllers experienced an equipment outage and lost contact with planes coming into EWR. Subsequently, several controllers needed to take a leave of absence to recover from the stressful situation, leading to short-staffing.
The reduced staff led to massive flight delays and cancellations, as the FAA had to limit EWR’s number of takeoffs and landings. Officials began working to upgrade backup software to prevent another equipment outage, and that backup fix did kick in and prevent another total blackout on controllers’ radar screens. Now, airline CEOs are calling on Congress to fund a sweeping overhaul to the nation’s air traffic control system, which would cost tens of billions of dollars.
A sign warning air travelers not to threaten or harm TSA officers (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Real ID Rules Finally Went Into Effect at U.S. Airports
After decades of delays, Real ID rules are now in place at airports across the United States. Under the new federal law, which went into effect on May 7, air travelers who want to use their driver’s license to board a domestic flight must use a specialized version called a Real ID driver’s license.
This upgraded version has additional security features, which make it harder for fraudsters to fake. Travelers also have the option to use other federal IDs, such as a passport or passport card. The nationwide rollout of the new policies went smoothly at U.S. airports, with most travelers who didn’t have the upgraded ID still able to fly with a warning and extra security check.
Airlines Launched New Flights for Summer and Fall Travel
Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (Photo Credit: Cerib/Adobe)
A flurry of new flights were added to route networks around the globe this month. On the domestic side of the spectrum, Frontier announced new summer routes from Chicago to Baltimore and Trenton, New Jersey, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Spirit Airlines and Contour announced they would partner to bring more airlift to smaller U.S. communities that are underserved by airlines.
When it comes to international flights, Delta launched new flights to Copenhagen and Stockholm this month, and Avianca rolled out new service from Bogota to Dallas-Fort Worth. Airlines also announced routes that won’t debut for a few more months, including more flights between the U.S. and Australia from American Airlines and Qantas, and new service from Phoenix to Taipei by Starlux Airlines.
In-Flight Upgrades
Carriers were busy this month spiffing up their cabins ahead of the summer travel season. Emirates’ iconic first-class cabin got a few refined touches, including a newly refurbished check-in area in Dubai, white-glove dining service from flight attendants, and a new engraved bowl for passengers’ caviar.
Emirates new caviar service with engraved bowl (Photo Credit: Courtesy Emirates)
Similarly, Delta Air Lines announced the launch of new Missoni products in its Delta One business class cabin, including new bedding, collectible amenity kits, and chic navy slippers, all emblazoned with the Italian designer’s signature zigzag print.
JetBlue added new meal options in Mint business class, bringing back popular dishes from New York restaurant Charlie Bird, as well as new options from DIG in its Core cabin.
American Airlines passengers can now order tequila on their flights this summer, with the Dallas-based carrier adding Texas tequila brand Socorro to its onboard menu. Finally, Spirit Airlines unveiled new upgrades, including new extra-legroom seats and loyalty program perks, as well as a refreshed in-flight menu.
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