Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been expanding rapidly as more travelers flock to the city. With that growth comes the need for a workforce that can keep up with the rising demand. However, one key area of the airport is facing a significant challenge that needs immediate attention.
Air Traffic Controller Shortage at Austin-Bergstrom
According to KXAN, there’s a massive shortage of Air Traffic Controllers at Austin-Bergstrom. Lloyd Doggett, a local representative, shared concerns about the issue, stating:
“We have some more trainees coming in, but we don’t have the controllers that we need. We’re still at less than half the number that the FAA recommends for safety. There’s not the margin of safety.”
While KXAN reached out to the FAA for comment, they’ve yet to respond. But the lack of air traffic controllers at Austin-Bergstrom has raised alarm bells.
What Are The Concerns Over Air Traffic Controllers?
The shortage of controllers is becoming a pressing safety concern. Doggett explained:
“Our controllers are overworked and understaffed. We’ve had six near misses at the Austin airport. I don’t want the seventh one to be a catastrophe because of the failure to provide enough air traffic controllers.”
Currently, there are about 14,000 air traffic controllers working in the U.S. However, the situation has been complicated by the FAA’s decision to stop accepting new applications for controllers, making it unclear whether the shortage will improve or continue to worsen.
The Road Ahead
As of now, the lack of air traffic controllers at Austin-Bergstrom remains an ongoing issue, and the community is watching closely. If the situation continues to escalate, it may lead to more concerns regarding safety and operational efficiency at the airport.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.