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

Verified

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 (KAUS) is experiencing a severe air traffic control staffing crisis, operating significantly below its target of 51 employees (currently 39) while facing record-breaking passenger traffic.
The understaffing forces controllers to work extensive overtime and six-day workweeks, raising significant safety concerns, especially following a recent runway incursion at KAUS that narrowly averted disaster.
This local issue mirrors 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, despite the FAA stating it is actively hiring more controllers.

See a mistake? Contact us.

“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.