The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) has awarded over $100 million to twelve airports to help prevent accidents caused by runway incursions, where planes, vehicles, or people mistakenly enter or obstruct runways. The funds will cover a variety of changes, such as building new taxiways or installing lights to better guide pilots. Tucson International Airport will receive the largest award of about $33 million, while San Diego International Airport will receive $24 million. Federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that constructing new taxiways will mean one less potential conflict point where planes line up, calling it a concrete solution.
Earlier this year, a few jarring incursions led to widespread attention and concern. In one instance at Kennedy International Airport, a plane had to abort taking off because of a dangerously close plane. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, a plane had to abort landing because another plane was using the runway to take off. While the rate of runway incursions has decreased, the National Transportation Safety Board held an event on Tuesday to further address the issue.
The F.A.A. has recorded about 550 runway incursions this year through April, which is slightly up from last year’s figures. Experts believe runway incursions have become a problem as people travel more and resume services and activities they avoided during the pandemic. As airlines and government agencies struggle to keep up with demand, many worry that they could face even more difficulties this summer, as air travel is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Nonetheless, airlines and officials have reassured the public that they have implemented changes to minimize disruptions.
