Opinion: An imperfect storm

America’s air travel industry is facing a battle on two fronts. Firstly, passengers are losing their faith in travel after several high-profile, fatal aircraft crashes and ongoing disruption at the country’s biggest airports. Secondly, air traffic controllers are walking off the job in droves, citing chronic understaffing, poor working conditions, and outdated technological systems.

Declining trust in air travel

On 30 January, 2025, at approximately 8:43 pm, an American Airlines regional jet, flight 5342, was on its final approach to DC’s Reagan National Airport above the Potomac River, when it was struck by a US Army Blackhawk helicopter performing a training sortie. Devastatingly, all 67 people aboard both aircraft were killed in the crash.

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