FAA Cuts minimum Flight Requirements at New York Airports Until October 2024

FAA Cuts minimum Flight Requirements at New York Airports Until October 2024

FAA Extends Flight Requirement Cuts

Due to ongoing staffing issues with air traffic controllers, U.S. regulators have extended the cuts to minimum flight requirements at New York City airports until October 2024. This development offers a sigh of relief to airlines that have been grappling with delays due to government staffing problems. Airlines stand to lose their takeoff and landing slots at busy airports if they cannot maintain usage of at least 80% of the time. However, with this latest waiver, airlines can cancel some flights and still retain their slots.

Shortage of Certified Controllers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that the number of certified controllers at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) is still insufficient to handle normal traffic levels. The FAA is actively working on a long-term solution to address the chronic low levels of fully certified air traffic controllers at N90, a problem that has been persisting for a while now.

Airlines Welcome Waiver Extension

Airlines for America, an industry group, has welcomed the waiver extension. This move is seen as a measure by the FAA to address air traffic controller staffing shortages. U.S. airlines have been expressing increasing frustration with air traffic control (ATC) shortages, which have disrupted flights and caused significant delays.

Previous Extensions and Ongoing Challenges

Previously, due to staffing shortages, the FAA extended temporary cuts to minimum flight requirements at busy New York City airports and Washington National Airport through Oct. 28. Airlines have been dealing with flight issues after a record-setting U.S. summer travel season and have voluntarily cut flights due to air traffic shortages. They are keen to add more flights to meet the demand.

Staffing Targets and Current Shortfalls

While the FAA met its yearly goal of hiring 1,500 controllers in August, it is still about 3,000 controllers short of staffing targets. A government watchdog reported in June that critical ATC facilities are facing significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. In the summer of 2022, delays occurred in 41,498 flights from New York airports, where ATC staffing was a contributing factor. N90 staffing was only at 54% during this period.

Near-Miss Incidents and Mandatory Overtime

Several near-miss aviation incidents have occurred in the United States this year, some of which could have resulted in catastrophic outcomes involving apparent controller errors. The FAA currently has 10,700 certified controllers, a slight increase from 10,578 in 2022, virtually the same as 2021, and down 10% from 2012. At several facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover the shortages.