Several times over the last year, Newark controllers lost radar or radio service, leaving them unable to talk with planes they were tracking.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it plans to upgrade the technology used to get radar data to air traffic controllers directing planes to the troubled Newark, New Jersey, airport, and improve staffing to alleviate problems that have caused hundreds of flights to be canceled there.

US air safety regulators said they will upgrade equipment guiding flights into Newark Liberty International Airport after a reported radar and radio communications shutdown, endangering travellers and crew flying into the busy hub.