The Brief
- The Trump administration introduces a strategy to hire more air traffic controllers.
- For several years, Austin’s airport has faced challenges due to staff shortages.
- This plan follows multiple airplane accidents and close calls earlier this year.
AUSTIN, Texas
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The Trump administration is addressing the national shortfall of Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers. This initiative follows several aircraft accidents earlier this year.
The Austin airport has faced challenges related to air traffic controller shortages for multiple years now.
Currently, the Department of Transportation is implementing a strategy to fill approximately 3,000 vacant positions.
Intend to staff air traffic controller roles
What they’re saying
Amidst a severe air traffic control staffing crisis, the Trump administration is stepping up initiatives to ensure sky safety and maintain adequate personnel levels within aviation agencies.
The Department of Transportation intends to provide a $5,000 incentive for new hires joining as air traffic controllers, increase the required retirement age from 56 to a higher limit, and motivate military air traffic controllers to transition into civilian roles.
“As they remain for a longer time, and we can provide more training, that’s how we will bridge this gap,” states Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
According to the Department of Transportation, the agency has simplified the procedure for enrolling candidates in the FAA Academy program, with the aim of having a complete team of air traffic controllers within the next three to four years.
“As this is a highly specialized role, one cannot simply substitute unskilled individuals without consequences; doing so would likely result in mishaps,” states Zara Oldfield.
Aircraft and chopper accidents in 2025
Big picture view
At least four significant airplane accidents have occurred across the country this year, along with multiple close calls.
In March, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a groundstop for incoming flights to the Austin airport from Dallas, New Orleans, and Houston because of an insufficient number of air traffic controllers, causing worry among travelers.
Issues at Austin airport
Dig deeper
In a 7 On Your Side investigation earlier this year, we uncovered how many air traffic controller positions were not filled at ABIA.
In January, the Federal Aviation Administration verified that only 32 out of the intended 60 controller positions had been filled.
A few years earlier, there was a significant shortage as well, with only 35 out of 42 air traffic controller roles occupied in 2024.
“There is significant pressure on the current controllers. Therefore, we require additional personnel entering this field,” states Duffy.
The Source
Insights gathered from interviews carried out by FOX 7 Austin’s Tan Radford
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