NEW YORK: A global shortage of air traffic controllers is fueling cross-border recruitment of experienced staff, exposing staffing gaps that are raising concerns about air safety and travel disruption, aviation officials say.
Countries from Australia to Canada and South Africa are competing for experienced controllers, with some turning to foreigners to fill vacancies even as their own staff are recruited elsewhere. Globally, 71,000 new air traffic controllers will be needed by 2034, according to a 2025 forecast from aviation training firm CAE.
The competition highlights a broader problem for an industry struggling to replace an aging workforce and train controllers quickly enough to meet demand. Moving experienced staff between countries can offer short-term relief but does little to address the underlying global shortage, while training replacements can take years.
