Reagan Airport's Air Traffic Controllers Persist in 6-day Work Weeks due to Staff Shortage predicament
The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is grappling with a critical staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, according to recent reports. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has stated that the airport is currently operating with only 20 certified air traffic controllers, a 33% shortage compared to the required 30 controllers for safe and efficient operations.
This shortage has resulted in air traffic controllers working six-day weeks to cover shifts and maintain operations, raising concerns about fatigue and safety, especially in light of a deadly midair collision near the airport in January 2025 that resulted in 67 fatalities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports a slightly different number, stating there are currently 26 certified controllers at the airport, two short of their minimum staffing level on record. The airport also lacks the necessary operational traffic management coordinators, with zero currently assigned when three are needed, further straining the system.
In response to the staffing crisis, the FAA is actively working to increase staffing levels at DCA by onboarding six permanent controllers and four temporary personnel in the coming months. This effort is part of a larger nationwide challenge, as the FAA estimates the U.S. needs about 3,000 more air traffic controllers overall to fully staff the system and manage increasing air traffic safely.
To mitigate controller fatigue, the FAA has also agreed to increase minimum rest time between shifts nationwide. However, in some high-traffic areas, including Washington National’s region, flight restrictions and limits have been imposed to reduce workload on controllers, which can lead to delays and cancellations.
The FAA is also focusing on recruiting the "best and brightest" into its academy to address the staffing shortage. However, no comment was provided by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association regarding the operational status of traffic management coordinators at DCA to Fox 5.
The staffing concerns at DCA have increased following the January midair collision involving a passenger plane and a military helicopter. The incident has highlighted the importance of a well-staffed air traffic control system to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
In summary, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is facing a significant staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, with between 10 and 14 controllers short of the required minimum. The FAA is working to address the issue by increasing staffing levels and imposing flight restrictions, but the situation remains critical as of July 2025.
- The critical staffing shortage at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is not limited to air traffic controllers; the airport also lacks the necessary operational traffic management coordinators, with zero currently assigned when three are needed.
- Concerns about air traffic safety at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport persist, given the ongoing staffing shortage among air traffic controllers and the lack of operational traffic management coordinators, particularly in light of the deadly midair collision in January 2025.
