San Diego Airport Delays Highlight Air Traffic Controller Staffing Woes

Nationwide controller shortages and aging infrastructure contribute to disruptions at one of the country's busiest single-runway airports.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:26am

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Heavy flight delays at San Diego International Airport on Thursday have drawn attention to ongoing concerns over air traffic controller staffing shortages and aging airport infrastructure across the United States. While the Federal Aviation Administration says San Diego's towers are above staffing targets, a recent federal report found 77% of critical air traffic control facilities are understaffed nationwide. Pilots and transportation officials have also raised alarms about outdated equipment and technology at the airport, including copper wires, floppy disks, and a leaky roof in the control tower.

Why it matters

The staffing and infrastructure challenges at San Diego International Airport are emblematic of broader issues facing the national air traffic control system. Understaffed control towers and outdated technology can compromise public safety and lead to significant travel disruptions, as seen in the recent delays. Addressing these systemic problems will require substantial investment and long-term planning by the FAA and federal government.

The details

On Thursday, nearly 200 flights were delayed at San Diego International Airport, leaving the airport's flight board full of yellow. The FAA cited "unanticipated staffing issues" as the cause, though airport officials said the delays were unrelated to the ongoing TSA funding battle. While the FAA claims San Diego's towers are above staffing standards, a recent federal report found 77% of critical air traffic control facilities are staffed below recommended levels nationwide. Pilots like Bob Katz, with over four decades of experience, have warned that the staffing challenges are "not going to get resolved in one day" and that air traffic service is "understaffed" and "overburdened" across the country. Controller workloads have come under scrutiny following a near-collision incident in 2023, which an NTSB report blamed on poor judgment in duty prioritization and a distracted supervisor.

  • On Thursday, March 28, 2026, nearly 200 flights were delayed at San Diego International Airport.
  • In June 2023, an NTSB report blamed a near-collision incident on the runway on poor judgment in duty prioritization and a distracted supervisor.
  • In June 2026, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured the San Diego airport tower and noted the presence of outdated equipment like copper wires, floppy disks, broken window shades, and a leaky roof.

The players

Bob Katz

A commercial pilot with more than four decades of experience who has weighed in on the staffing challenges facing air traffic controllers.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who toured the San Diego airport tower in June 2026 and noted the presence of outdated equipment.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The government agency responsible for overseeing the national air traffic control system, which has cited staffing issues as a factor in the recent delays at San Diego International Airport.

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What they’re saying

“So, a staffing issue, if that's really the case, it's not going to get resolved in one day. It's a process... throughout the United States, air traffic service is understaffed. It is overworked. It is overburdened.”

— Bob Katz, Commercial Pilot

“They should not be using this equipment.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

What’s next

The FAA has announced that San Diego International Airport will receive numerous upgrades to its air traffic control infrastructure, including a new surface movement radar, electronic flight strips, upgraded radios, digital voice switches, and new controller display systems. These improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

The takeaway

The flight delays at San Diego International Airport highlight the broader challenges facing the national air traffic control system, including staffing shortages and aging infrastructure. Addressing these systemic issues will require significant investment and long-term planning by the FAA and federal government to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel across the United States.