Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the air traffic control concerns plaguing Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey are "not ideal at all" and "frightening for sure," while adding that the system today is in fact safe.Newsweek reached out to the Transportation Department via email Tuesday for comment.Why It MattersRecent airplane incidents and close calls nationwide have raised concerns about safety protocols.This year, the fatal midair collision involving a Black Hawk military helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet shined a spotlight on the aviation industry, as 67 people were killed at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.The crash prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose permanent restrictions on nonessential helicopter travel near the airport.What To KnowNewark is among the most traveled airports in the country, feeding the New York City metro area.The FAA has issued a ground delay at the airport amid crippling air traffic controller staffing. The average delay time per flight is 161 minutes, the FAA says. The delay runs until Wednesday morning.Amid the staffing shortage, air traffic controllers last week temporarily lost communication with certain airplanes and could not hear, see or speak with them, according to CNN.One air traffic controller spoke to MSNBC's Tom Costello over the weekend about the staffing shortage amid system concerns, saying in part, "Don't fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs."When asked about potential safety concerns by Fox News' Martha MacCallum, Duffy, chosen by President Donald Trump to head the Transportation Department, responded, "Let me just say one thing first, it is the FAA's responsibility and DOT's [Department of Transportation] responsibility to tell the American people the kind of system that they have, and if it's getting old, then it has to be fixed. If you don't tell the people that, they don't know, and they're shocked when a Newark happens."The transportation secretary mentioned the communication dropping out with air traffic controllers in Newark, adding that there are backups for pilots and controllers to remain in contact.Duffy added, "Again, not ideal at all. Frightening for sure. But is the system safe? Today, yes, but I go out seven years, five years, 10 years, I'm not sure about that. Which is why I have the responsibility of calling the American people, calling the Congress and saying let's get this done, it's an American build, brand-new, state of the art."The secretary has been outspoken about upgrading the air traffic control system nationwide.What People Are SayingDuffy on X, formerly Twitter, posting the interview with Fox News on Tuesday: "I fly all the time. The system is safe. But we must build an all new air traffic control system to make sure the system stays safe and prevent outages like Newark."Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey posted to X on Tuesday: "The revelation that air traffic controllers lost contact with planes at Newark Airport last week is deeply concerning. EWR is a critical transportation hub for our nation, and lies in some of the most congested airspace in the world.Congress and the FAA have a responsibility to work together swiftly to correct these issues. I urge the Senate to hold oversight hearings and get to the bottom of these problems."The FAA, in a statement on its website Monday: "Our antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce. As Secretary Duffy has said, we must get the best safety technology in the hands of controllers as soon as possible. We are working to ensure the current telecommunications equipment is more reliable in the New York area by establishing a more resilient and redundant configuration with the local exchange carriers. In addition, we are updating our automation system to improve resiliency.Frequent equipment and telecommunications outages can be stressful for controllers. Some controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON who work Newark arrivals and departures have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages. While we cannot quickly replace them due to this highly specialized profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace.When staffing or equipment issues occur, the FAA will ensure safety by slowing the rate of arrivals into the airport. We will keep the public updated as we work through these issues. The FAA will continue to be transparent with the public about the status of Newark and every airport at fly.faa.gov."What Happens NextThe air traffic controllers can be on leave due to the stress for up to 45 days, CBS News reports.