United Airlines has sounded the alarm over a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, which it claims has led to “significant disruption” for travelers at its Newark, NJ hub near New York City. The airline revealed on Tuesday that this shortage has been so acute that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had to reduce air traffic flow, wreaking havoc for over 343,000 passengers in just the first 25 days of November alone. Travelers faced extensive delays, cancelled flights, and protracted taxi times due to air traffic control inefficiencies.

Impact of the Staffing Shortages

On November 15 specifically, the ramifications were stark—air traffic control staffing issues led to the cancellation of flights affecting 1,880 customers, while gate and other operational delays impacted an additional 24,558 travelers. With the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period on the horizon, these disturbances are poised to escalate further.

FAA's Response

The FAA explained that addressing the staffing crisis is an ongoing battle, noting that they have been "transparent with airlines and travelers about our plan" to rectify longstanding issues in Newark airspace. However, United Airlines emphasized the urgency for the FAA to restore adequate staffing levels, arguing that safety and efficiency in air travel rely on it.

Concerns about Aviation Safety

Compounding concerns about air traffic controller shortages, recent years have been marred by a spate of near-miss incidents, raising alarm bells about overall aviation safety in the U.S. Last month, the FAA announced a significant audit aimed at reviewing runway incursion risks at the nation’s 45 busiest airports, following multiple near misses.

FAA's Staffing Adjustments

The critical staffing situation led to the FAA reassigning 17 controllers from the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to Philadelphia in late July. This decision was framed as a necessary relief for the congested New York TRACON, which is among the busiest in the nation, with the expectation that it would alleviate some of the operational pressure while enhancing overall airport safety.

Need for Ongoing Recruitment and Training

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker confirmed that this move has contributed to a decrease in delays, reinforcing the need for ongoing recruitment and training of controllers elsewhere to meet air traffic demands.

Current Staffing Shortfall

It’s become a common practice for the FAA to assign air traffic controllers to work six-day weeks while grappling with a staggering shortfall of about 3,000 controllers compared to optimal staffing levels. As of last year, the agency reported having 10,700 certified controllers, which shows little sign of change despite increasing air traffic demands.

Extensions to Flight Requirement Cuts

Moreover, in a bid to mitigate the chaos, the FAA extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York-area airports until October 2025, citing inadequate staffing to handle the usual traffic levels. As this staffing crisis unfolds, it’s becoming increasingly evident that travelers need to prepare for potential disruptions as the holiday season approaches.

Stay informed and check back for more updates!