FAA data shows how understaffed Austin's airport is for air traffic controllers

AUSTIN, Texas - New numbers from the FAA show just how understaffed the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is when it comes to air traffic controllers. 

It's leading to renewed safety concerns in the wake of two deadly plane crashes across the country, and several near misses on the tarmac in Austin. 

RELATED: Air traffic controller staffing has been issue at Austin's airport for years

"We had a known risk of near-misses and collisions for a while now. One is now manifested, and it needs to be the last one," said Mike Slack, an aviation expert and managing partner with Slack Davis Sanger in Austin. 

"We are in the top five airports with the greatest shortage of air traffic controllers," said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Democrat of Austin. 

How understaffed is Austin's airport?

By the numbers:

So how bad is it? The FAA provided numbers to FOX 7 Austin in response to a Freedom of Information request. 

In January 2025, the FAA says only 32 controller positions were filled, compared to the target number of 60. That's just 53%. Those numbers were unchanged from six months prior. 

"You've done what no other reporter has done and gone out and actually get the data from the FAA instead of just accepting the propaganda that they put out," said Doggett. 

The situation has largely gotten worse over time. 

In January 2024, the target number was lower, at 42 controllers. Back then, 35 of those positions were filled, or 83%. Two years earlier, there was a target of 38 controllers, of which 35 were filled, or 92%. 

"We've gone backwards as the target has gone up," said Doggett. 

Several near misses in Austin

The backstory:

Slack says a lack of controllers can impact safety, especially when coupled with high traffic or bad weather. 

"Day in, day out, it may not be a concern, but it's that moment, it's that foggy day," said Slack. "The Circuit of the Americas has a race, and you have a lot of traffic. Then your margin of safety gets cut down considerably."

"And so attention, memory, reaction are all compromised as stress increases," Slack added.

There have been nearly half a dozen near-misses at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in recent years. 

This past October, an American Airlines plane missed a Cessna by about 350 feet. Two years ago, a FedEx cargo plane nearly collided with a Southwest jet. 

Slack says those are the kinds of situations he's worried about, when controllers are stretched too thin. 

"It's like, 'did I clear that airplane for takeoff or not?' All of a sudden, there's this momentary, 'Gosh, you know, maybe I shouldn't have cleared that airplane for takeoff,'" said Slack. 

Doggett says he's concerned the situation may not improve under the new Trump administration, with federal workers being urged to take buyouts, and the FAA administrator resigning after a reported clash with Elon Musk.

But Doggett says he'd like to see the agency step up efforts to fill those gaps.

"Given the high cost of living in the Austin area, we need incentives to pay to draw more with controllers there," said Doggett. 

What they're saying:

One bright spot: Austin's airport recently installed ground surveillance technology to help controllers. 

"The controllers tell me that it is helpful in tracking. It's like having electronic device on everything moving around the airport that they can see how it's moving around. But it's certainly not a panacea," said Doggett. 

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport said in a statement: "A fully-staffed tower is essential to ensuring the highest standards of safety. We will continue to collaborate closely with the FAA to implement a staffing plan that meets the growing needs of AUS."

"I think generally the Austin airport is safe. And these air traffic controllers are doing a really good job. But, they're only human. And when you have such a shortage, there's always the possibility that mistakes can occur," said Doggett.

The FAA declined FOX 7's request for an interview, but said in a statement:

"Growing the nation's air traffic controller workforce is a top priority. We continue to hire and onboard new controllers. Their work is critical to meeting our safety mission. The FAA hired 1,811 air traffic controllers in fiscal year 2024."

7 On Your SideAustin-Bergstrom International AirportAustin