ATC Staff Shortages Reportedly Posing Challenges at Austin Airport

While the FAA Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan mentions target staffing standards for KAUS is 51 employees, the facility currently sits at 39.

Amelia Walsh

Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 02:55 PM ET

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An internal memo outlined that “drastic steps” are needed to properly staff Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s control tower, according to a local report. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's (KAUS) control tower is critically understaffed, operating with only 39 of its target 51 controllers, leading to overworked staff and significant operational strain amidst record-breaking travel.
An internal memo warns of the facility reaching its "breaking point" and urges "drastic steps" from the FAA to address the staffing shortages, following a recent near-collision incident at the airport.
This staffing crisis at KAUS reflects a broader national problem, with a watchdog report indicating 77% of critical FAA air traffic control facilities are understaffed and the agency lacking a comprehensive plan to resolve these shortages.

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“Drastic steps” are needed to properly staff Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s (KAUS) control tower as the facility is reaching its breaking point, an internal air traffic control memo said, according to a report.

The memo, sent to regional air traffic control representatives and obtained by local Austin news affiliate KXAN, outlines severe ATC staffing issues as the airport is unable to keep pace with the congested airspace.