In a recent CBS News analysis, it was revealed that less than 10% of the nation’s airport terminal towers met the air traffic controller staffing standards set by a working group that included the FAA and the controllers’ union. This issue has gained attention after a tragic midair collision that killed 67 people near Reagan National Airport. Only about 2% of towers met the 2024 staffing targets for fully-trained controllers, with none of the Air Route Traffic Control Centers having enough staff. The FAA attributed the staffing shortage partly to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations and training. National Air Traffic Controllers Association president Nick Daniels highlighted the challenges of developing fully-trained controllers.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/over-90-percent-u-s-airport-towers-understaffed-air-traffic-controllers-data-shows/