✈️ Mapped: Every U.S. Air Control Tower With a Staffing Shortage

Key Takeaways

• 128 FAA-operated air traffic control towers are short-staffed, as of September, 2023 (the latest data available).
• Rochester Tower, located in Minnesota has less than half the required controllers per 2024 requirements.

So, why is there an air traffic controller shortage?

There are a few interlinked reasons:

• A difficult (and long) training process, which takes a minimum of 2-3 years.
• Interrupted or paused training due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mandatory retirement age (56) which leads to a yearly employee loss.