Crowded planes and airports set records, straining the U.S. aviation system

Crowded planes and airports set records, straining the U.S. aviation system as Nashville International Airport continues rapid growth and travelers report tighter on-board space. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 18 million passengers at U.S. airports over the coming week for the Fourth of July travel period. Airlines are carrying more people than ever while operating fewer flights than two decades ago, using larger aircraft and packing more seats. Industry group Airlines for America head Chris Sununu says the biggest threat is a short-staffed, outdated air traffic control system, urging Congress to build on a $12.5 billion modernization down payment. The FAA has only 27 fully certified controllers at the Nashville tower as of September versus a target of 52, forcing traffic delays. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford has said the system has “reached its limits.”