SYDNEY AIRPORT CHAOS AVERTED: Last-Minute Resolution Saves Flights from Being Grounded Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage
- Sydney Airport was bracing for flight disruptions due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, but a last-minute resolution saved the day.
- Airservices Australia blamed the shortage on a number of unwell air traffic controllers at Sydney Tower.
- Passengers were urged to check with individual airlines for the status of flights, but the airport will now operate without interruption.
**Sydney Airport** breathed a sigh of relief on Friday afternoon as a last-minute resolution averted flight disruptions caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers. The airport was bracing for take-offs to pause between 3.30pm and 4pm, but Airservices Australia announced that an uninterrupted departure service would resume.
According to an Airservices Australia spokesperson, the shortage was due to “a number of unwell air traffic controllers at Sydney Tower”. The spokesperson apologised to airlines and the travelling public for any delays, saying “Airservices is working with the airlines to minimise disruptions during this period”.
Each departing plane had to wait at least four minutes after the last departure, impacting take-offs since about 10am. However, the airport spokesperson confirmed that “Sydney Airport will now be able to provide an uninterrupted departure service this afternoon”.
Passengers were still urged to check with individual airlines for the status of flights, as decisions on whether to cancel flights are a matter for airlines. The shortage of air traffic controllers is expected to be alleviated later this year, with Airservices Australia waiting on an extra 85 air traffic controllers to be added to their rosters.
The close call highlights the importance of adequate staffing at the airport, and Airservices Australia is working to prevent similar disruptions in the future.