Air Traffic Controllers Voice Concerns Amid Government Shutdown

Amid the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1, 2023, air traffic controller Jack Criss has shared concerns regarding aviation safety. Criss, who is currently juggling two jobs, emphasizes that while he does not want to alarm the flying public, the unprecedented pressures on air traffic controllers could lead to critical oversights.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has faced staffing shortages as a result of furloughs affecting approximately 10,000 employees, raising questions about the operational safety of air travel during this period. According to data from the FAA, flight delays in the U.S. increased by 28% in the first two weeks of the shutdown compared to last year.

Historically, concerns surrounding air traffic controller workloads have been highlighted during shutdowns. During the 2019 partial government shutdown, which lasted for 35 days, controllers reported fatigue and stress, leading to a similar spike in operational errors. This isn’t the first instance where federal shutdowns have raised alarms about air travel safety; in fact, according to a 2019 National Transportation Safety Board report, nearly 60% of controllers experienced debilitating fatigue during past government furloughs.

Criss noted that even minor errors can have significant consequences in air traffic control, pointing out that pilot mistakes tend to occur more frequently under stress. Recent precedents illustrate this trend; in March 2022, a near-miss between two commercial jets at New York's JFK Airport was attributed to an air traffic controller's momentary lapse—a situation that mirrors the current concerns voiced by Criss.

Industry sources reveal that air traffic controllers are utilizing additional coping strategies to manage workloads, including shifts and off-the-clock work to alleviate pressures. However, Criss emphasizes that these approaches could lead to diminishing returns regarding safety as controllers may face mental fatigue.

Looking ahead, the current government shutdown shows no immediate signs of resolution, with Congress entering budget discussions that may extend into the holiday travel season. Should the situation persist beyond mid-November, experts predict that flight schedules could further tighten, exacerbating the strain on already overburdened controllers.

As Criss continues his dual-role employment, he believes that it is crucial to advocate for air traffic controllers facing similar pressures. This situation echoes concerns previously raised by colleagues such as fellow controller Tommy Wells, who highlighted the risks during last year’s discussions before Congress about staffing and budget allocations.

While it is unclear how long the shutdown will last, security inspections and training programs are reportedly on hold, heightening uncertainty within the industry. According to Criss, the longer the shutdown continues, the more pronounced the potential safety implications for air travelers become. Such circumstances could urgently necessitate new strategies to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation’s air transportation system.