FAA extends slot waivers at JFK and LaGuardia amid ongoing ATC staff shortages

"At N90, aggressive training plans are in place to certify both new trainees and those CPCs previously overseeing the Newark area who did not transfer to PHL. The FAA believes that those CPCs in training for reassignment will certify much more quickly than new trainees who do not have previous N90 experience."

Slot controls at JFK and LaGuardia require airlines to use their allocated slots at least 80% of the time or risk losing them to competitors. With this waiver, carriers can temporarily operate fewer flights without penalty, potentially reducing congestion as efforts continue to address staffing levels.

Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways are expected to be among the most affected by this change due to their significant presence at JFK and LaGuardia. Delta operates a range of aircraft types and could deploy larger planes on some routes if needed, while JetBlue primarily uses narrowbody jets such as the Airbus A321.

As part of broader efforts across U.S. airports, authorities have also imposed limits on flights at Newark Liberty International Airport through year-end because of similar congestion and staffing concerns (https://simpleflying.com/newark-airport-flight-limits-2024/).

The FAA is continuing its push to train more controllers for critical regions like New York but acknowledges that further extensions may be necessary if staffing does not improve.

"Slots are controversial, as they are notoriously difficult to obtain in key markets like New York and often limit the entry of new competition. Reducing the requirements to keep slots could help reduce the number of flights traveling in and out of New York airports every day, until the air traffic controller shortage is better resolved."

###