On August 7, 2026, FAA air traffic control facilities in the New York-New Jersey region issued staffing triggers indicating anticipated staff levels below safety thresholds. These staffing triggers are formal warnings that forecast personnel levels insufficient to maintain safe operations.
Following the issuance of staffing triggers, flight delays occurred in the New York-New Jersey region due to the air traffic control staffing shortages. These shortages have been linked to the expiration of an FAA deal, disrupting air traffic management and causing delays at multiple airports in the area.
