US Aviation Safety Faces Scrutiny Over Staffing Shortages and Aging Infrastructure

Lawmakers and experts highlight critical risks in air traffic control systems, outdated technology, and workforce challenges during House hearing.

A House Aviation Subcommittee hearing revealed significant concerns about the state of U.S. aviation safety, citing outdated infrastructure and severe air traffic controller shortages.
Experts testified that 105 of the FAA's 138 air traffic control systems are unsustainable or potentially unsustainable, with many facilities over 60 years old.
The January 29 midair collision near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people, underscored the urgent need for modernization and adequate staffing in the aviation system.
The FAA has been criticized for its slow hiring process, while recent firings of FAA employees by the Department of Government Efficiency have raised additional safety concerns.
Industry leaders and unions are calling for increased funding, deployment of modern technology, and reforms to hiring and retirement policies to address systemic issues.