This is the third warning the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued. An upcoming shortage of air traffic controllers may soon add to the risk of further delays in flight operations nationwide, including in the state of New Jersey. The air traffic controllers’ union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), has been sounding the alarm in growing tones. They are deeply frustrated by the long-standing staffing crisis, exacerbated by the current reckless government shutdown.
Yet the FAA is being overwhelmed by staffing challenges that are creating severe meltdowns. Airports in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee have been especially affected, resulting in delayed or stopped landings. The agency estimated that as many as 10,000 flights were delayed on Monday and Tuesday due to other operational causes. That was a far cry from the number that fell to just over 1,900 on Wednesday.
Airline executives have warned about the air traffic controller shortage for years, which shows that this is not a recent emergency. Similar triggers have recently been tripped at Newark Liberty International Airport, but that worry was taken off the table by early afternoon.
The ongoing federal government shutdown hit its eighth day as of Wednesday. This persistent public health crisis has compounded the burden on an already stressed infrastructure. The shutdown that began in late 2018 and stretched over 40 days. It’s already caused significant operational disruptions, particularly in New York, due to a lack of air traffic controllers.
“Nearly 11,000 fully certified controllers remain on the job, many working 10-hour shifts as many as six days a week, showing extraordinary dedication to safely guiding millions of passengers to their destinations—all without getting paid during this shutdown,” – National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Sean Duffy, an air traffic controller, stated the need to end this funding blockade was critical. He called on Democrats to fund the bill so that the air traffic operations stress didn’t harm the safety of passengers.
“Open up the government, take the months to have a conversation and negotiate, but let’s not use this as leverage with hardworking Americans that keep our skies safe for political benefit.” – Sean Duffy
In partnership with the FAA, NATCA is committed to ensuring that the new government shutdown’s effects on U.S. aviation are minimized over the coming weeks. Flight delays will soon increase by at least 25 percent if we fail to address the growing staffing crisis immediately. Getting back to normal funding levels so that this doesn’t happen is imperative.