A senior air-traffic controller at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which manages flights for Newark Liberty International Airport, has highlighted the challenges posed by staffing shortages and technological failures. Jonathan Stewart, who supervises this busy facility, described the intense pressure faced by controllers due to recent blackouts and delays. On April 28 and May 9, radar outages occurred, leaving controllers unable to communicate with planes or track their locations. Stewart, among others, is on trauma leave following these incidents. He averted a potential mid-air collision on May 4 and criticized FAA leadership in an email. The facility requires 38 controllers but currently employs only 24, with further reductions expected next year. Efforts to address these issues include an emergency task force and discussions with airlines to limit flights during the summer season. Hiring challenges have contributed to a near 30-year low in air traffic controller numbers.
— new from CNN
