CNN 5 Things One Thing: Air Traffic, Out of Control?
May 11, 2025
Massive delays and cancellations recently hit Newark Liberty International Airport due to a communication breakdown, raising alarms about air traffic control. There's a pressing need for a new system by 2029, as highlighted by experts discussing outdated technology and funding woes. The psychological toll on controllers amid staffing shortages adds to the complexity of the situation. Despite challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration reassures that flying remains significantly safer than everyday travel.
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Controller Trauma Leaves After Outage
- Five FAA air traffic controllers took 45 days of trauma leave after a communications and radar outage at Newark Airport.
- The event was highly stressful, involving loss of radio and radar created dangerous conditions requiring split-second decisions.
FAA Staffing Crisis Explained
- FAA faces controller shortages partly due to government shutdowns halting hiring while retirements continue.
- The pandemic worsened staffing, leaving over 3,000 controller vacancies nationwide.
Flying Remains Extremely Safe
- Aviation remains the safest mode of U.S. transportation despite recent issues.
- The FAA prioritizes safety by throttling flight demand if needed, ensuring risk remains low.