The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is pursuing termination of two air traffic controllers at New York's LaGuardia Airport who allegedly abandoned their posts before an Air Canada aircraft collided with a Port Authority fire truck on March 22, killing both pilots.
The move marks an escalation in oversight following the collision and reflects broader concerns about chronic understaffing plaguing American airspace management. National Transportation Safety Board investigators are examining whether proper staffing levels were maintained at the time of the accident.
Sources confirmed to Reuters that the two FAA employees were scheduled to be on duty when the crash occurred but had left the facility. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association acknowledged it is "actively discussing these allegations with FAA leadership" but declined to provide additional comment.
Accountability Push Follows System Strain
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy characterized the situation as unacceptable during recent remarks.
"When a small percentage of individuals take advantage of the American taxpayer, unfairly add additional work to their fellow controllers, and impact the airspace – we have no choice but to act," Duffy stated. "We will not tolerate fraud, and we are taking appropriate action to hold folks accountable and prevent unlawful practices from disrupting the travelling public."
An FAA spokesperson emphasized the agency's commitment to accountability, stating: "We are committed to holding employees accountable, and we will not compromise the safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System."
Industry Practice Under Scrutiny
Multiple air traffic controllers interviewed by Reuters described the workload that evening as exceptionally busy. Controllers noted that during high-traffic periods, additional staff are typically called in or existing personnel work beyond their scheduled shifts to manage the volume safely.
The termination proceedings appear connected to an FAA enforcement initiative targeting what controllers call "early shoves" – the practice of leaving before a scheduled shift concludes after assigned duties are completed. Several controllers told Reuters this practice has been common at numerous facilities for years, though the FAA has intensified its crackdown on premature departures and breaks that extend beyond shift end times.
The action underscores growing tension between air traffic control operations and safety protocols as the system continues operating under staffing constraints that have become a persistent challenge across major U.S. airports.
This article is based on reporting from the Globe and Mail, which originally published details of the FAA's planned terminations as confirmed by Reuters sources. Read the original Globe and Mail report.