Current and former air traffic controllers are expressing concerns about the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) hiring practices and its controversial “immunity program.” They argue that these issues may have played a role in the recent midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Specifically, they point to staffing shortages and the potential lack of accountability among controllers.

Former controllers claim that the FAA’s focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in hiring practices, which began during the Obama administration, led to the recruitment of less experienced or qualified individuals. These concerns were echoed by President Donald Trump, who highlighted the issue during a press conference after the fatal incident.

The staffing shortage, combined with the FAA’s immunity program that shields controllers from consequences for mistakes, is believed to have contributed to the January 29 collision. In this tragic incident, an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army helicopter collided, both crashing into the Potomac River near the airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board.

Critics argue that these systemic issues within the FAA are a growing threat to air safety, and some have called for reforms to address the staffing crisis and ensure greater accountability for air traffic controllers. These concerns continue to raise alarms about the effectiveness and safety of the nation’s air traffic control system.