Austin City Council Passes Resolution Urging FAA Staffing Increase, Air Traffic Academy

The Austin City Council has passed a resolution urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address critical staffing shortages at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's air traffic control tower, which currently operates with less than half the recommended number of controllers. Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes emphasized the resolution's focus on safety for passengers and airport employees, calling for immediate action to prioritize staffing and improve communication regarding delays caused by the shortage. As part of a long-term solution, the council is exploring the creation of an air traffic control academy in partnership with Austin Community College to establish a local pipeline for training and hiring controllers, potentially making Austin the first city in Texas with such a program. Congressman Lloyd Doggett supported these efforts, stressing the need for urgent FAA intervention. The FAA has acknowledged the shortage as a priority and highlighted increased academy enrollment and streamlined administrative processes to address the issue. The City Council's approach aims to collaborate with federal authorities rather than assign blame, seeking to enhance safety by expanding protected airspace and incentivizing controller transfers to Austin’s airport.