The Daily
Passenger Planes Nearly Collide Far More Than You Know
Sep 5, 2023
Sydney Ember, an economics correspondent for The New York Times with a focus on aviation, reveals startling findings about near-collisions involving U.S. passenger planes—happening far more frequently than the public is aware. She discusses the alarming trend of close calls as air traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels and critiques the strained safety systems in aviation. Ember also highlights the critical shortage of air traffic controllers and the risks posed by inexperienced personnel, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety protocols.
28:21
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Quick takeaways
- U.S. passenger planes experience frequent near collisions, highlighting flaws in the safety system.
- The shortage of air traffic controllers, decrease in experienced pilots, and limitations of technology contribute to the rise in close call incidents.
Deep dives
Increasing Frequency of Close Calls
A Times investigation reveals that U.S. passenger planes experience near collisions more frequently than the public is aware. Close calls are occurring around airports and on runways, with incidents happening multiple times every week. These incidents are often a result of errors by air traffic controllers and pilots, as well as shortcomings in the technological systems meant to prevent collisions. The data highlights a crisis-level frequency of close calls that is putting the safety of air travel at risk.
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