The Federal Aviation Administration faces yet another setback in its ongoing staffing crisis, as the air traffic controllers’ union has reportedly undermined a critical hiring initiative.
This development adds pressure to an already embattled Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who’s being pressured to address some of the flight issues plaguing the country of late.
Duffy, appointed by President Donald Trump, has been tasked with overhauling the FAA amid widespread delays, cancellations, and safety concerns. A key component of his plan is addressing the agency’s severe shortage of air traffic controllers.
According to a New York Post exclusive, the FAA is currently short approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers. This deficit has led to significant disruptions, particularly at busy hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport.
Duffy announced a hiring blitz earlier this year, which included streamlining the hiring process and offering financial incentives for new trainees.
One critical element of Duffy’s plan involved granting waivers to experienced controllers. These waivers would allow them to transfer to understaffed facilities without losing seniority or benefits.
However, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has placed a major obstacle in front of this effort. Sources told the Post that NATCA is threatening members who use