Australia's Air Traffic Controller Shortage Drives Spike in Near-Misses at Sydney Airport

A shortage of air traffic controllers has contributed to at least four near-miss incidents at Sydney Airport since late July, prompting warnings from pilots' representatives.

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Industry impact

Persistent controller shortages at major hubs highlight a global staffing gap that CAE projects will require over 70,000 new controllers worldwide by 2034.

Australia's shortage of air traffic controllers has contributed to at least four near-miss incidents at Sydney Airport in the past month, raising safety concerns at the country's busiest airport. Since late July, incidents have included a passenger jet aborting its take-off because another aircraft was in its path, and a taxiing aircraft braking sharply to avoid colliding with another jet.

Andrew Marshall, president of the Australian and International Pilots Association, which represents flight crew at Qantas Airways, said air traffic control staffing levels are not at the level required, and that while pilots serve as the last line of defence in aviation safety, that isn't an appropriate long-term solution.

The staffing shortfall is difficult to address quickly because training a new air traffic controller takes years, while flight demand continues to grow. Short-staffed control towers are a global issue, and aviation training provider CAE forecasts that more than 70,000 new controllers will be needed worldwide by 2034.