Footage captures surreal sight of massive queue of planes waiting to depart from Newark airport

A photo of Newark Airport has caught the internet’s attention, showing an endless takeoff queue that looks more like a rush-hour traffic jam than an airfield.

The image, posted to Reddit, sparked a lively debate among travelers swapping horror stories about plane delay frustrations.

Some were shocked by the sheer number of aircraft lined up on the tarmac, while seasoned fliers shrugged it off as just another day in the skies.

As it turns out, this surreal sight is far more common (and necessary) than many realize.

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Newark Airport is one of the busiest in the country

The photo shows a line of airplanes stretching across the taxiway at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.

While to passengers it might look like chaos, the system behind it is a carefully choreographed dance managed by air traffic controllers.

At major aviation hubs like Los Angles International Airport (LAX) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), dozens of planes can be lined up for takeoff at any given moment, particularly during peak travel hours or weather delays.

Each aircraft’s position in the queue depends on a combination of factors, including flight schedule, destination, aircraft type, and even the airline’s assigned runway.

Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in sequencing these departures to maximize efficiency and safety.

Heavier, long-haul jets often require longer runways and more spacing due to wake turbulence, meaning they might get slotted differently than smaller regional planes.

Additionally, flights that are connecting to tight schedules or international routes sometimes receive priority to avoid cascading delays at other airports.

It’s a delicate balance that keeps thousands of passengers moving each hour across the nation’s crowded skies.

This is a familiar scene for many frequent flyers

On Reddit, reactions were mixed.

One commenter pointed out that the fuel burn for the planes waiting in the takeoff queue must lead to a pretty hefty bill, while another pondered why planes cannot simply wait their turn in a parking lot.

Many recounted their own experience waiting in line, joking about the times their pilot told them they were 35th in line.

Frequent flyers chimed in, noting that similar queues can be seen daily at other major airports, not just Newark Airport.

So while it may look (and feel) like a logistical nightmare, this scene is actually a sign of an incredibly busy, tightly coordinated system that keeps global travel on schedule.

The next time your plane is delayed due to the long takeoff queue, just remember that there is a certain order to the chaos.

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