The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can slow air traffic into specific airports when air traffic controller staffing shortages occur in order to ensure safe operations.
October 08, 2025
high
procedural
FAA operational response to controller staffing shortages
U.S. aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have the authority to close or restrict airspace and delay flights when safety issues are identified.
October 07, 2025
high
temporal
Safety and airspace management powers exercised to protect aviation operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduces or slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations when there are increased air traffic control staffing shortages.
October 07, 2025
high
operational
FAA operational practice to maintain safety during staffing shortfalls.
As of 2025, U.S. air traffic control staffing shortages have been exacerbated by insufficient hiring, lengthy training timelines, and high trainee dropout rates.
October 07, 2025
high
structural
Longstanding workforce vulnerabilities in the U.S. air traffic control system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies air traffic controllers as essential employees who are required to remain on duty during government shutdowns even if they are not paid while the shutdown is in effect.
high
temporal
Federal policy defining the status and work requirements of air traffic controllers during lapses in appropriations.