The federal government is scrutinizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) choice to move air traffic controllers from Long Island to Philadelphia, specifically for overseeing Newark’s airspace.
This week, inspectors from the Department of Transport confirmed they are looking into a decision made in 2024 to transition radar control from Westbury’s hub to Philadelphia’s air traffic facility.
“The FAA minimized the safety concerns,” remarked Senator Laura Gillen regarding the move.
She noted that the agency reported a risk of a serious incident to be one in 11 million, but that such events have occurred twice annually since the relocation.
This shift has removed 12 experienced controllers from Tracon, one of the busiest radar centers in the nation, prompting local leaders and air traffic personnel to express a need for support.
“Staff are feeling overwhelmed, and I’m genuinely worried about safety. I strongly believe the team that moved to Philadelphia should come back,” Gillen told reporters after a tour on Tuesday.
Eric Carlo, a long-serving air traffic controller, echoed her sentiments, saying he’d prefer his role back on Long Island.
Both Carlo and Gillen, representing Long Island Democrats, described the void left by the relocated staff as a significant gap, asserting that their departure negatively impacts safer air travel at this critical air traffic hub.
The FAA had defended the relocation as necessary for improving efficiency and addressing staffing shortages, but Gillen insisted that staffing levels have remained fairly constant since the move.
Moreover, the facilities are in desperate need of modernization.
“It’s hard to quantify how dire the situation is,” Carlo explained, pointing out that the radar and equipment in use are outdated, some from the 1980s and ’90s. Only a small fraction of the FAA’s budget goes towards upgrading these vital systems that millions depend on.
“While the staffing shortage is an issue, the equipment itself is antiquated,” he added.
Previously, if there were problems with older technology, he could coordinate with Newark’s team to ensure air safety.
The Transportation Bureau will assess whether the relocation has actually backfired, potentially impacting safety, morale, and the overall function at a key air traffic control center.
If the audit concludes that a more efficient setup is indeed on Long Island, those moved to Philadelphia could be required to return.
FAA representatives chose not to comment outside the facility.
