FAA Aims for Zero Runway Close Calls During Busy Summer Travel Season

This summer, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working closely with airports across the country to prevent serious incidents on runways. With more flights and increased construction during the warm months, the risk of vehicles and pedestrians straying onto runways rises, creating potential safety hazards.

To address this, the FAA has updated training materials for airport staff, focusing on improving airfield procedures and staying alert to changes and construction on the runways. The training highlights the importance of clear communication between control towers, aircraft, and vehicles on the ground.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said, "With a busy summer travel season already underway, we are always looking for ways to improve safety across all airport operations. Safety is a team sport, and we all must do our part." Last year, the number of runway incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians more than doubled from April to August. The FAA is determined to prevent this from happening again.

The FAA has installed advanced safety systems at many major airports and is expanding these systems to more locations. This includes technology to track vehicle movements and warn of potential runway incursions. Additionally, new systems to enhance surface awareness are being added to several airports this summer, with more installations planned through 2025.

Regular safety meetings at airports and alerts for pilots and controllers are part of the FAA’s efforts to keep runways safe. The FAA is also speeding up the hiring of air traffic controllers and improving their training with new simulators.

These steps are part of the FAA’s goal to achieve zero serious incidents on runways, ensuring a safer travel experience for everyone this summer.