FAA Secures Deal to Combat Air Traffic Controller Fatigue Amid Staffing Shortages

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reached an agreement with an employee union to provide air-traffic controllers with additional rest to address safety concerns linked to fatigue. The deal mandates extended off-duty periods and fewer overtime shifts, with new rules set to be implemented by 2025.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that it has struck a deal with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to ensure air-traffic controllers receive more rest, tackling an ongoing staffing shortage. Under the current policy, controllers must get an eight- or nine-hour break between shifts.

When the new rules come into place with the 2025 schedules, controllers will receive 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after midnight shifts. Additionally, there will be limits to consecutive overtime assignments. The FAA had delayed these rules, initially set for mid-July, due to ongoing discussions with the union.

"The science is clear that controller fatigue is a public-safety issue, and it must be addressed," said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and NATCA President Rich Santa have recognized the issue of controller fatigue and its impact on aviation safety, citing under-staffing and overtime as key concerns.

NATCA President Rich Santa said the union welcomes the changes, aiming to alleviate the burden on an understaffed workforce. Currently, several facilities are so understaffed that controllers work mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks. The FAA is approximately 3,000 controllers short of its staffing targets.

The FAA decided to extend cuts on minimum flight requirements at busy New York City-area airports until October 2025 due to the shortage. President Joe Biden has pushed for funding to hire an additional 2,000 controllers this year to combat congestion, delays, and cancellations.

(With inputs from agencies.)