Billions More Are Needed to Fix Nation’s Air Traffic Control, Feds Say on Eve of the Busiest Thanksgiving Travel Period on Record
As millions of Americans prepare to fly for the largest Thanksgiving travel season ever, the U.S. Department of Transportation warns that the air traffic control system needs billions more cash to meet demand and reduce delays.
At Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said airports are staffed and ready despite record travel. He said the old air traffic system needed considerable modifications to operate at full capacity.
With approximately 52,000 daily flights, the federal government expected 31 million Thanksgiving passengers. The Port Authority expects 3.3 million travelers to pass through major New York and New Jersey airports over the eight-day holiday. Duffy said obsolete technology behind the scenes is the biggest concern, despite airport readiness and staffing.
Duffy said Congress must approve remaining federal funds to upgrade the system. He estimated that $12.5 billion is available but $19–20 billion is needed to upgrade air traffic management countrywide. Delays and cancellations will result from obsolete equipment failing to keep up with traffic.
Officials observed that April and May radar outages at Newark showed how outdated technology may affect the region. Update old equipment to prevent these events from reducing flight, according to the FAA.
After seeing the Newark control tower, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said operators use antiquated equipment well. Bedford said obsolete storage systems and one-channel ground radar must be replaced.
Federal incentives were given to technicians with perfect attendance throughout the 44-day shutdown. Duffy believes their work is vital because a fully manned control tower cannot safely operate at full capacity if equipment fails.
Federal officials requested cash and advised travelers to be patient and courteous as airports prepare for congestion. Duffy began his “civility program,” reminding consumers that long lines and congested terminals are normal and that being courteous to airline and airport staff can make the experience safer and smoother.
He advised travelers to be polite and not yell at workers. Bedford said airport and airline staff will punish risky or disruptive behavior.
This holiday season will require labor, preparedness, passengers, updated systems, and federal funding due to high traffic. Authorities stated they would manage demand with outdated methods until the upgrade plan is implemented.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
