FAA Air Traffic Overtime Costs Surge Amid Hiring Shortfalls

Washington, DC, June 19 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is grappling with a significant challenge as overtime costs for air traffic controllers have surged by over 300% since 2013, according to a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences. In 2024, the FAA’s air traffic control workforce logged approximately 2.2 million hours of overtime, costing an estimated $200 million. This dramatic increase stems from persistent staffing shortages and inefficient scheduling practices, even as air traffic has risen by 4% over the same period. The report highlights that the agency’s hiring efforts have fallen short, exacerbating the strain on existing controllers and raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency.

From 2013 to 2023, the FAA hired only two-thirds of the air traffic controllers required by its staffing models, resulting in a 13% decline in overall staffing levels. As of 2024, the agency is approximately 3,500 controllers short of its targeted staffing levels, with nearly a third of air traffic control facilities operating at least 10% below their staffing goals, and about 22% falling 15% or more below targets. This shortfall has forced many controllers to work six-day weeks and mandatory overtime, with the average controller logging 167 hours of overtime annually in 2024, up 308% from 126 hours in 2013. The report notes that the time controllers spend actively managing air traffic has decreased, despite the uptick in flight volume, suggesting inefficiencies in workforce allocation.

Several factors have contributed to the staffing crisis. Hiring constraints, including two government shutdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted recruitment and training efforts. The FAA’s training academy in Oklahoma City faced significant interruptions, particularly during the pandemic, when on-the-job training was reduced, creating a bottleneck in producing certified controllers. Additionally, the agency has struggled to implement a robust shift scheduling software acquired in 2012, which could have optimized controller assignments and reduced overtime reliance. The National Academies report recommends that the FAA critically evaluate its staffing models, adjust facility-specific targets, and improve scheduling practices to address these issues.

The FAA has acknowledged the report’s findings and stated it is on track to hire at least 2,000 controllers in 2025. However, the agency faces challenges in meeting these goals, given the lengthy training process, which can take up to four years for full certification. A 2024 independent FAA panel raised serious concerns about controller fatigue, calling for mandatory rest periods to mitigate risks to safety. The report underscores that widespread overtime use, driven by staffing shortages, may compromise the safety of the national airspace system. The Trump administration has proposed allocating at least $20 billion to modernize air traffic control, including investments in new equipment to prevent near-miss incidents and incentives to boost controller hiring and retention. These measures aim to address the chronic understaffing and outdated systems that have strained the FAA’s operations. As the agency works to implement these recommendations, the rising overtime costs and persistent hiring lags highlight the urgent need for systemic improvements to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States.