"Driving the news: Staffing-related delays have plagued airports in Chicago, Nashville, Denver and several other major cities this week. At least one notable airport - California's Hollywood Burbank - went "ATC zero" for several hours, with no controllers in the tower. During that time, controllers at a nearby facility helped work traffic, while pilots also used a dedicated radio frequency to sort out potential conflicts. That's standard practice at airports without control towers, or when towers are closed."
"While many air traffic controllers are unionized under the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), it's illegal for them to strike. "Sick-outs" are an increasingly popular alternative collective action, though some controllers worry about being penalized or making life more stressful for colleagues who do show up. Controller shortages, overwork and pay were major issues even before the shutdown, all coming to the fore in the hunt for answers after January's deadly midair collision near Washington's DCA."
Staffing-related problems produced delays at major U.S. airports including Chicago, Nashville, and Denver. Hollywood Burbank experienced an ATC zero event with no controllers in the tower, prompting nearby controllers and pilots to coordinate traffic using a dedicated radio frequency. FlightAware logged 50 cancellations and 2,514 delays involving U.S. flights as of Wednesday afternoon, with Northeast weather also contributing. Most controllers are unionized under NATCA but cannot legally strike, leading some to use sick-outs. Longstanding issues of shortages, overwork, and pay have intensified stress and safety concerns following a recent deadly midair collision.
Read at Axios
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