Air Force holds air traffic controllers responsible for close call with B-52 bomber
Air traffic controllers at a North Dakota airport did not inform the crew of a B-52 bomber that commercial flights were also in the area, according to military sources. In a statement released late Monday, the Air Force said that the B-52 crew notified Minot International Airport’s air traffic control about their approach to an […]
Air traffic issues worsen due to a lack of controllers and outdated equipment.
Air Traffic Control System in Crisis Each day, over 45,000 commercial flights take to the skies in the US, making it one of the busiest aviation systems globally. However, the technology and equipment supporting this vast network are outdated, often stemming from facilities that have seen better days decades ago. Moreover, the system is in […]
Passengers at Newark airport stuck due to shortage of air traffic controllers
Travel Disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport Newark Liberty International Airport faced more travel issues late Wednesday when operations were temporarily halted due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered all flights to remain on the ground at this busy airport starting at 5:20 PM. Officials confirmed that the […]
Air traffic controllers’ union disrupts Sean Duffy’s efforts to increase hiring, sources say.
Challenges for Air Traffic Controllers Amid Retirement Policies In Washington, the leading association of air traffic controllers is complicating the transportation secretary’s initiative to increase workforce numbers by discouraging older employees from working beyond retirement age, according to recent reports. Transportation Secretary Duffy is proposing cash bonuses of up to 20% of the Federal Aviation […]
Duffy disagrees with Democrats on cuts to DEI funding, asserts air traffic controllers were dismissed.
During a House Budget Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy engaged in a heated exchange with Democrats, particularly disputing claims regarding the departure of 400 air traffic controllers. He criticized climate and social justice initiatives supported by the Biden administration, suggesting these programs have diverted funds from essential projects. Duffy pointed to a […]
We are in urgent need of air traffic controllers — might AI help fill the void?
Air traffic control has found its way back into the spotlight. Following a breakdown on May 9 that interrupted communication systems at Newark Liberty International Airport, the situation raised concerns over the ability to manage numerous flights safely in the air above. Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, has voiced serious concerns about ongoing […]
Duffy plans to raise the retirement age for air-traffic controllers
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to raise the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers from 56 to 61. In a discussion on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker inquired whether Duffy had requested Congress to support this age extension. Duffy clarified that Congress had already given him the green light to implement […]
I can allow air traffic controllers to remain until 60 and support increasing the retirement age to 65.
During a discussion on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity,” Transport Secretary Shawn Duffy mentioned a proposal to raise the retirement age for air traffic controllers from the current 56 to 65 years old. Host Sean Hannity raised a concern, noting the pressing nature of the situation. He asked if controllers, who must retire in their 50s, […]
New audio shows stressful moments after Newark Airport air traffic controllers lost communication.
New audio has brought to light a concerning incident where communication was lost with a plane approaching Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Pilots from United Airlines, who were flying in from New Orleans, attempted to contact air traffic control multiple times—at least five, according to the recordings. However, for about 30 seconds, they […]
Newark Airport disruption intensified by air traffic controllers on 45-day ‘trauma leave’ following mistakes, says FAA.
The Federal Aviation Administration has noted that disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport are being worsened by air traffic controllers facing equipment failures that have persisted for about 45 days. CNN reported, alongside sources from at least five air traffic controllers, who are utilizing leave under the Federal Employee Compensation Act. This legislation provides for […]