Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump vowed on Thursday to correct air traffic control problems remaining from the Biden administration.
The president shared the comments on Truth Social ahead of a meeting between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the leaders of five top airline companies.
“Air Traffic problems caused by the incompetent Biden Administration, as headed by, in this case, a total novice and political hack, Pete B. I WILL FIX IT!!!” Trump wrote.
According to officials, the chief executives of the five largest U.S. airlines are expected to endorse the Trump administration’s plan to invest tens of billions of dollars in modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system and expanding workforce recruitment.
Leaders from Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways are scheduled to appear at a Thursday event where Duffy will present the administration’s proposal to Congress. Representatives from other aviation-related companies are also anticipated to attend.
Joining them will be family members of the 67 victims killed in the Jan. 29 collision between a regional American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport.
Duffy is also seeking additional funding to accelerate hiring air traffic controllers. In March, the FAA announced plans to recruit 2,000 new controller trainees in 2025. Reuters reported that it will introduce bonuses and incentive payments to attract new hires and encourage veteran controllers nearing retirement to remain on duty.
A long-standing controller shortage has contributed to widespread flight delays, with many controllers working extended hours and six-day weeks to keep up. The FAA currently faces a shortfall of approximately 3,500 controllers compared to its staffing goals.
In addition to the recent Washington airline tragedy, Newark’s airport has become a source of controversy over safety issues.
Newsweek reported that Newark has faced ongoing disruptions since April 28, when air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia TRACON reportedly lost communication and could not direct aircraft for approximately 30 seconds.
In the days following the incident, the airport has seen hundreds of flight delays and cancellations. Officials at local and federal levels have pointed to outdated technology, a staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, and the continued shutdown of one of Newark’s three runways as contributing factors.
