Pilots’ union says ATC issues affect safety

Australia’s biggest pilots’ union last week claimed air traffic control staffing issues are making skies less safe for pilots and passengers.

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has told Australian Aviation that its members have encountered “chronic” and “systemic” staffing problems at Airservices dating back to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes after reports emerged earlier this year that there were 340 instances of “uncontrolled airspace” from June to April 2023, with Airservices admitting to “staff availability issues”.

What’s going on? And who’s to blame, if anyone? Adam, Chris and Jake navigate the PR spin to explain.