Miami airport reports lower vacancy rates, defies U.S. air traffic controller shortage
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Miami International Airport has a relatively low vacancy rate for air traffic controllers compared to other major airports around the country, per the most recent FAA data.
Why it matters: January's mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter is bringing fresh attention to the staffing shortages, which are a longstanding problem.
- It's unclear if such shortages played a role in the incident, which claimed 67 lives, yet investigators will surely consider that potential.
The big picture: The nation's airport control towers and approach/departure facilities had 7,047 certified controllers as of September 2023.
- That's nearly 2,000 short of an 8,966-controller goal set jointly by the FAA and the air traffic controllers' union.
Zoom in: MIA reported 87 controllers and a vacancy rate of 11.2%, data show.
- Tampa International Airport had 58 controllers and a 13.4% vacancy rate, while Orlando International had 25 and a 28.6% vacancy rate.
Zoom out: Staffing shortages are especially pronounced at certain FAA facilities, some of which manage hugely critical airspace.
- The New York TRACON, for instance — which controls aircraft coming into and out of the busy New York City area — had 146 certified controllers as of September 2023, compared to a goal of 226, and a vacancy rate of 35.4%.
Between the lines: The number of controllers includes both fully certified controllers and recently transferred controllers who are certified but learning the ins and outs of a new facility.
- Controllers in training who have not yet been fully certified are not included.