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's (KAUS) air traffic control tower is at a "critical point" due to severe understaffing, operating with significantly fewer controllers (39 vs. 51 target) than required, leading to frequent understaffed shifts and overworked employees.
This severe staffing shortage at KAUS is exacerbating operational pressures during an expected record-breaking summer travel season and has been linked to potential safety concerns, including a recent near-collision incident under investigation.
The staffing crisis at Austin-Bergstrom reflects a broader national problem across FAA air traffic control facilities, with a watchdog report indicating widespread shortages, though the FAA states it is taking steps to hire more 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.

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.

Key Takeaways:

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