Crisis in U.S. Air Traffic Control: High Failure Rates and Staffing Shortages
Published on: Feb. 6, 2026, 2:31 a.m. | Source: Devdiscourse
The U.S. Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General is investigating persistent high failure rates among trainee air traffic controllers. The FAA faces a shortage of 3,500 controllers, leading to mandatory overtime. Efforts to bolster staffing include hiring campaigns and changes to training protocols amid challenges like outdated curriculum and instructor shortages.
