Mexico Lacks 500 Air Controllers, Nearly Half Its Workforce

The Mexican air traffic control (ATC) system is grappling with a severe workforce shortage that experts and officials warn could jeopardize operational safety. The deficit, estimated at 500 controllers, represents nearly half of the workforce required to manage the country’s increasingly complex airspace.

This issue, compounded by insufficient funding, extended work hours, and outdated communication systems, has escalated into what industry leaders describe as an emergency. The expansion of Mexico’s airport network and the redesign of its airspace have placed unprecedented demands on controllers.

“We are facing a bottleneck. There are more airports, more procedures, and additional workstations, but fewer controllers and resources,” said José Covarrubias, Minister General, National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SINACTA). He emphasized that generational replacement is failing to keep pace with retirements, leaving the sector critically understaffed.

The opening of Felipe Ángeles International Airport and the integration of a multi-airport system in central Mexico have further intensified workloads. Controllers now face shifts exceeding 14 hours with reduced rest periods, conditions that Covarrubias warns could compromise safety standards. “This situation worsens daily, requiring immediate government action to formulate sustainable solutions,” he added.

The Navigation Services in Mexican Airspace (SENEAM), the government agency responsible for ATC operations, is facing a 10.8% budget cut for 2025, amounting to over MX$350 million (US$19.4 million).

A recent incident on December 1 highlighted the risks, when a Viva Aerobus flight lost safe separation with another aircraft, breaching international safety standards. Experts caution that overworked controllers are more prone to fatigue-induced errors, increasing the likelihood of severe incidents.

Becoming an air traffic controller in Mexico requires rigorous training, including English proficiency, psychological evaluations, and a two-year course with supervised simulations. However, industry leaders stress the challenges of scaling up recruitment.

“This is not a profession where you can improvise talent. It requires resilience, focus, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations,” noted Rogelio Jiménez Pons, former Deputy, Ministry of Transportation.

While programs to address the shortage are under discussion, industry representatives argue that existing efforts fall short. Ángel Domínguez, President, College of Pilots Aviators of Mexico, advocates for improved educational infrastructure aligned with international standards. “Mexico can not only meet domestic demand but also position itself as a global training hub for pilots and controllers,” he suggested.

Across North America, the aviation sector faces a projected shortage of 30,000 pilots by 2032, reflecting similar trends in skilled labor availability. Globally, the deficit is expected to reach 80,000 pilots by 2030, according to Oliver Wyman, a New York-based consultancy.

Oxford Economics projects that by 2034, travel and tourism will employ 22.43 million people in Latin America, representing 9.6% of the region’s workforce.