Airlines for America, the trade group representing major US airlines, called on the government on Tuesday to address the shortage of air traffic controllers ahead of the summer travel season.
US Airlines Urge the Government to Address the Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers
According to Reuters, the group, whose members include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, said the shortage of air traffic controllers will affect "airline operations and the traveling public."
However, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson dismissed the criticism, and accused the airlines of trying to divert away from their responsibility for flight delays. She said the agency is actively working to increase hiring while prioritizing public safety.
Thomson noted that airlines should support efforts to recruit more controllers instead of funding publicity stunts. She added that weather and airline-specific issues are the more frequent causes of delays than air traffic control capacity.
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FAA Asked to Address the Staffing Crisis
However, Nick Calio, head of Airlines for America, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker should immediately address the staffing crisis since it was already "past time."
Current shortages have forced many controllers to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. The FAA is seeking $43 million to accelerate hiring and training.
The FAA has extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at airports in New York City areas through October 2024 due to the staffing shortage, which allows airlines to fly fewer flights without losing take-off and landing slots. Last month, airlines asked the FAA to extend this policy until October 2025.
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