U.S. Aviation Groups Call for Urgent FAA Funding Overhaul

Major U.S. aviation groups and unions have urged Congress to address funding shortfalls for Federal Aviation Administration facilities. Aging infrastructure and staffing shortages are causing inefficiencies and disruptions. President Biden has proposed an $8 billion investment plan, but immediate action is needed to modernize facilities and improve air traffic control systems.

Major U.S. aviation groups and unions are pressing Congress to address funding shortfalls for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities, spurred by reports on aging infrastructure. The letter, signed by entities including Airlines for America and the Air Line Pilots Association, warns that insufficient funding compromises airspace operational efficiency and safety.

President Joe Biden has proposed an $8 billion investment over five years, starting with $1 billion in 2025, to modernize more than 20 aging air traffic control facilities and 377 radar systems. The letter stresses that a quarter of FAA facilities are over 50 years old and underinvestment is having a noticeable impact.

Highlighting a pilot alerting system failure in January 2023 and deteriorating conditions at control facilities, the report calls for urgent action. The FAA is also seeking funds to hire 2,000 additional air traffic controllers to alleviate staffing shortages that are delaying flights and mandating overtime for existing staff.

(With inputs from agencies.)