United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby was correct to blame a major share of recent New York region flight delays and cancellations on air traffic control shortcomings. The two biggest problems are large shortages of air-traffic controllers in New York region Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities and the most complex airspace in the United States. These problems have been festering for years, but neither Congress nor the FAA have addressed them.
A June 2023 audit by the Department of Transportation inspector general found two critical air-traffic facilities — New York Center (high-altitude) and New York TRACON (approaches and departures) — are grossly understaffed and have been
