A new Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit of FAA’s Federal Contract Tower Program found that, despite steps to improve oversight and expand the controller hiring pool, staffing shortages continue across the system.
According to the OIG report, the program remained understaffed by roughly 18 percent as of April 2025. The audit points to controller attrition and stagnant wage rates as ongoing challenges, even as FAA has updated its monitoring processes and adjusted training requirements.
For aviation businesses operating at airports served by contract towers, those staffing levels can influence operational consistency, access, and efficiency across the network.
The report includes three recommendations intended to strengthen FAA oversight and support improved staffing levels at contract towers. NATA will continue to follow developments affecting the reliability and performance of this important part of the national airspace system.