From CNBC: 2025-05-07 13:37:00

Last week, a 90-second equipment failure at the Philadelphia air traffic control facility led to hundreds of flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, affecting thousands of travelers. The outage exposed decades of staffing shortages and underinvestment in the air traffic control system, prompting urgent calls for upgrades.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that air traffic controllers faced dark radar screens and lost communication with planes for over a minute during the outage. Although pilots are trained to handle such situations, the incident highlighted the stress and risks faced by controllers due to outdated systems and chronic shortages.

More than 1,500 flights were delayed at Newark last week, prompting United Airlines to cut 35 flights daily from its schedule to ease operations. The FAA plans to increase staffing at the affected facility and implement backup systems to prevent future disruptions, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy prepares to announce a major upgrade plan for the air traffic control system.

The recent outages underscore the urgent need for modernization in the air traffic control system, which is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for flights. A fatal midair collision earlier this year raised concerns about safety in congested airspace. Newark Airport, already facing space constraints, has been hit hard by technology glitches and staffing shortages, exacerbating delays and disruptions.

Airline executives are frustrated by the chronic understaffing of air traffic controllers, which is impacting their operations and leading to high costs. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged the challenges faced by Newark Airport and assured customers of safety despite the disruptions. Efforts are underway to address staffing shortages and improve the efficiency of the air traffic control system.

In response to the recent incidents, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has emphasized the safety of air travel and pledged to take necessary measures to prevent disruptions. Slowing down or halting arrivals at Newark is a possibility if there is a shortage of air traffic controllers. Efforts are underway to ensure the smooth operation of flights and enhance safety measures in the busy airspace around New York City. United Airlines’ CEO, Scott Kirby, emphasizes the importance of experienced pilots in safely navigating flights when communication is lost with air traffic controllers. Airlines, like United, have long sought capacity limits at overcrowded airports to prevent disruptions. Kirby urges the FAA to return to previous flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport, emphasizing the need for a first-class air traffic system for customers.

The U.S. faces a shortage of around 3,000 air traffic controllers, with only 10% of applicants successfully graduating from training. The FAA’s goal of hiring 1,800 controllers in the previous fiscal year is hindered by a 35% dropout rate at the academy and a 20% attrition rate during on-the-job training. Financial incentives, including higher pay, are being considered to attract and retain controllers, with the median pay for controllers at $144,580 per year.



Read more at CNBC: Why U.S. air traffic control is under strain