FAA to Hire 8,900 Controllers by 2028, Shortages to Persist
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to hire at least 8,900 air traffic controllers by late 2028, but the agency admits the effort will not eliminate the nationwide staffing shortage. According to its workforce plan released Thursday, the FAA aims to “supercharge” hiring and training to address a shortfall of nearly 3,000 controllers.
Despite the hiring push, projected retirements, academy dropouts, and certification failures mean the FAA expects only about 1,000 more certified controllers by fiscal year 2028. Nearly 6,900 current controllers and trainees are anticipated to leave within the next three years, with more than 3,200 expected to fail out before reaching a facility.
The staffing crisis has raised safety concerns, particularly after a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January killed 67 people. Testimony during the investigation revealed that the lone controller on duty was managing both plane and helicopter traffic—an example of overwork that has become common at busy towers.
Facilities in the New York region face some of the most critical shortages. As of last September, the New York air traffic center had 198 certified controllers of a required 321, while the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) had 113 of a needed 226.
To address these gaps, the FAA will launch a one-week targeted hiring campaign for N90, offering specialized training for the challenging New York airspace. The agency says attracting and retaining “the best and brightest” remains essential to improving safety, reducing delays, and maintaining confidence in the nation’s air traffic system.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nytimes.com