
Nationwide Shortage Of Air Traffic Controllers – How Are Minnesota Airports Staffed?
The recent crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport has brought airline safety to the top of travelers' minds. The investigation into what led to the crash is underway, but it was pointed out early on that they had one air traffic controller doing the job normally done by 2 people. Just how understaffed are air traffic controllers?
Over 90% of U.S. Airport Towers Are Understaffed
CBS News reports that 90% of U.S. airport towers are understaffed. Even worse, only 2% of towers met staffing targets in 2024.
Staffing Targets VS Minimum FAA Standards
The data shows that roughly 45% of towers meet FAA Minimum Standards. The staffing targets are a higher goal of workers, and barely any airports reach that.
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Why is there an air traffic controller shortage?
COVID-19 caused havoc on the aviation industry. On-the-job training and development of air traffic controllers was significantly reduced.
Minneapolis Airport MSP Air Traffic Controllers
According to the Data from CBS News, Minneapolis Tower has 30 fully trained air traffic controllers. That puts them at 81% of their staffing target. If you include trainees, that number is 92%. Still, aviation expert Charles Adams says Minneapolis is a safe airport.
Duluth, Minnesota Air Traffic Controllers
According to data from 2023, Duluth had 14 fully trained air traffic controllers which was 56% of their staffing target. Including trainees, that number is 60%. I've reached out for comment from the Duluth International Airport on their current situation.
It's a tough job.
It's not easy to fill these positions. In fact, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Nick Daniels says that if they hired 2,000 people today, in the next few years you would only have half of them become certified air traffic controllers.
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