The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned of potential disruptions to summer travel due to a shortage of air traffic controllers at New York’s Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) facility. The FAA held a meeting with airlines and industry representatives to discuss ways to minimize the impact on passengers.
While national air traffic controller staffing is at 80%, the N90 facility is operating at just 54% capacity. This facility is crucial for managing air traffic in the Northeast corridor, including John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International Airports.
The FAA anticipates a 45% increase in delays in the region this summer and has outlined steps to mitigate passenger disruptions.
These include temporarily waiving minimum-use requirements for takeoff and landing slots at JFK, LaGuardia, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports, offering airlines more flexibility. Airlines are expected to take action to minimize impacts on passengers, such as operating larger aircraft and keeping passengers informed of any possible disruptions.
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