American aviation fiasco is not Trump's fault, the damage was done by a decision made 44 years ago
Washington D.C.: Twice in the past two weeks, critical communication failures at Newark Liberty International Airport left air traffic controllers unable to speak with pilots, causing massive delays and reigniting concerns over the nation’s aging air traffic control system. While no accidents occurred, the outages—lasting about 90 seconds each—highlight persistent understaffing, outdated technology, and systemic neglect in U.S. aviation infrastructure.
The breakdowns traumatized controllers, some of whom took "trauma leave," worsening Newark’s already severe staffing shortage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces chronic understaffing, with 20 of the nation’s 26 busiest airports operating below the 85% minimum staffing threshold. Many controllers work grueling 10-hour days, six days a week.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a multibillion-dollar modernization plan to replace antiquated systems with fiber optics, wireless, and satellite technology.
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"Decades of neglect have left us with an outdated system," Duffy said, framing the overhaul as an economic and national security priority. Airlines and unions welcomed the proposal but questioned whether it would succeed where past efforts failed.
The crisis traces back to 1981, when President Reagan fired over 10,000 striking controllers, destabilizing the system. Today, the U.S. has just 10,800 certified controllers—far short of the FAA’s recommended 14,300. Training new controllers takes years, and many drop out due to the job’s extreme stress.
Recent near-misses, including a fatal January collision near Reagan National Airport, have heightened safety concerns. A 2023 New York Times investigation found over 500 air traffic control lapses in a single year. Experts warn that without urgent funding and staffing fixes, Newark’s breakdowns could foreshadow broader failures.