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) air traffic control tower is severely understaffed, operating with 39 controllers against a target of 51, leading to an internal memo warning of a "critical point."
The staffing shortage forces controllers into extensive overtime and double shifts, raising safety concerns, which follows a recent runway incursion incident at KAUS.
This understaffing reflects a broader national issue, as a watchdog report revealed 77% of critical FAA facilities are below adequate staffing thresholds, though the FAA states it is actively hiring new controllers.

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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.