Air Traffic Control System Failures Spark Safety Concerns

Air Traffic Control System Outages Cause Chaos and Concern: Exclusive Video Reveals Critical Failures Newark Liberty International Airport and a Denver-area air traffic control facility experienced significant system outages last week and Monday, respectively. CBS News obtained exclusive video footage showing the blank screens faced by controllers at Newark during a 90-second outage, highlighting the potential dangers of such failures. The video underscores the severity of the situation, showing the critical reliance on these systems for safe air travel. An FAA executive confirmed a separate two-minute communications outage at a Denver facility on Monday. While the FAA assures the public that no aircraft were in danger during the Denver incident, the Newark outage caused significant disruption, leading to thousands of cancellations and delays. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing staffing shortage. Adding to the gravity of the situation, approximately half a dozen controllers sought trauma leave following the Newark incident. The Department of Transportation is actively involved, holding meetings with airlines to discuss potential solutions, including flight reductions at Newark to alleviate delays. The events raise concerns about the reliability and resilience of the nation's air traffic control system, demanding immediate action to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.