Mexico Faces 500 Air Traffic Controller Shortage, SINACTA Warns

Mexico faces a shortage of around 500 air traffic controllers, according to José Alfredo Covarrubias Aguilar, secretary general of the National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SINACTA). He highlighted the deficit as the country marked International Air Traffic Controller Day on Oct. 20.

In a statement posted on social media, Covarrubias Aguilar described recent hires by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) as a “placebo measure,” noting that new controllers lack statutory benefits. “This has led to precarious working conditions and lower salaries, particularly for young personnel who accept these jobs due to a lack of alternatives,” he said.

The union leader added that the current situation has created disparities among controllers, with some unable to assume full responsibilities due to violations of the official job classification system.

“Salary levels corresponding to professionalization and risk have lost value over the years, as there are no regular salary reviews to maintain them,” Covarrubias Aguilar explained. He emphasized that wages across public administration — including air traffic control — have lost purchasing power, affecting workers’ ability to maintain a decent standard of living.

The shortage also extends to instructors, while existing training programs remain outdated. Controllers often complete mandatory training on their own time, he noted.

Understaffing has also resulted in excessive overtime, affecting both physical and mental health. Infrastructure deficiencies persist as well, with equipment failures reported at several workstations despite ongoing modernization efforts.

Covarrubias Aguilar said these challenges have been documented and included in the Sectoral Plan of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT). He urged President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Chamber of Deputies to allocate sufficient resources to improve working conditions and strengthen safety in Mexican airspace.