FAA Extends Slot Waivers To Combat New York Controller Shortage

A continuing controller shortage at the New York TRACON has prompted the FAA to extend its relaxation of slot use requirements at the three main New York airports to Oct. 28, 2023. The agency announced the extension in a news release on Wednesday and it will allow airlines to reduce flight frequency without risking the loss of highly prized slots at La Guardia, Kennedy and Newark Airports. "The agency continues to expect that airlines will operate larger aircraft to transport more passengers and make sure passengers are fully informed about any possible disruptions," the news release said.

The slot waiver program was started last May to help the staff-short FAA handle the seasonal increase in air travel. The waivers were supposed to end on Sept. 15, but high demand is expected to continue through the early fall and the new date aligns with the ICAO's definition of the end of the summer travel season. The program seems to have worked. By using bigger equipment on fewer flights, traffic has dropped by 6 percent but the number of passengers carried has gone up 2 percent. Meanwhile, the FAA says it's addressing the staff shortage. "The FAA is working closely with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to implement a long-term solution to resolve ongoing low staffing levels at the New York TRACON."