As recently as 2023, Austin was the site of a near collision between two planes and is one of the most understaffed air control locations in the U.S.

The new secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, appeared to walk back an enticement to retire, saying F.A.A. safety workers were exempt from the offer for federal workers.

Some major US airports had less than 60% of their staffing targets filled with fully certified controllers in recent years, CNN review finds

The staffing numbers from 2023, the most recent year made available by the Federal Aviation Administration, show the airport is above the staffing standard and just below the optimal staffing level.

Air controller Tyler Casper controls the taxi ways from the 150-foot control tower in 2008. Last week’s mid-air collision highlighted the air traffic controller shortage but FAA documents show Sacramento’s staffing is above its “staffing standards target.”

More than 90% of the country's airport traffic control towers, including Pittsburgh International Airport, are understaffed according to analysis of FAA data. The Federal Aviation Administration data shows that at the time of the report,

Several deadly plane crashes this year have put the spotlight on the U.S.’s air traffic controller shortage. Experts point to COVID-era woes and expensive, time-consuming job training. But a six-figure salary is on the table for those who make the cut.

The air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport may have been understaffed the night of the collision between an incoming flight and an Army helicopter.