Dallas Joins Denver, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Detroit Airports to Witness Surging Pilot Shortages and Near Misses Expose New Deadly Flaws in US Aviation: What You Need to Know About Future Flights

Published on November 7, 2025

In 2024 and 2025, a pilot shortage and understaffed air traffic control towers led to safety issues at major U.S. airports, including Dallas, Denver, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Detroit. In Dallas, near-miss incidents at Love Field and DFW airports prompted the FAA to implement new surveillance systems, with experts warning of rising risks due to a loss of experienced staff. The Allied Pilots Association flagged a spike in maintenance issues at American Airlines, including tools found in wheel wells and pressured crews to rush planes back into service. In Denver, a Southwest Airlines jet’s engine cover ripped off in April 2024, forcing an emergency return. A 2025 FAA memo also revealed that Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport had the highest safety incident rate. Charlotte and Phoenix saw similar near-miss situations, highlighting increasing concerns about safety in the face of staffing shortages and corner-cutting by airlines.

Pilot Shortages and Safety Concerns

The pilot shortage is one of the most pressing issues facing the aviation industry today. The pandemic forced many pilots into early retirement, while the airline industry struggled to train new pilots fast enough to keep up with rising demand. The shortage has been particularly evident in regional airlines, where staffing gaps have caused flight cancellations and delays. To address this, airlines have brought back retired pilots, shortened training programs, and expedited licensing procedures. However, these quick fixes have led to concerns about the quality of training and the adequacy of experience among newly hired pilots.

According to the Allied Pilots Association, the pilot shortage has directly contributed to a spike in safety-related issues at American Airlines. Pilots have reported mechanical issues, such as tools left in wheel wells, which can pose significant risks if not addressed before takeoff. Additionally, pilots have claimed that airline management pressures them to complete flights despite incomplete maintenance or delayed inspections due to insufficient spare parts. These actions, compounded by understaffing, have raised serious questions about whether safety is being compromised in the name of operational efficiency.

Near Misses and Runway Incursions

One of the most concerning aspects of the pilot shortage and air traffic control understaffing is the rise in near-miss incidents at major U.S. airports. A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle, or person is incorrectly present on a runway or taxiway during operations. The FAA defines runway incursions as one of the most dangerous risks in aviation, as they often occur in areas where aircraft are preparing for takeoff or landing. In 2024, there were over 1,700 runway incursions reported across U.S. airports, with several categorized as high risk.

In Dallas, near misses have become increasingly frequent at Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The rise in runway incursions has been linked to a shortage of air traffic controllers and poor coordination among ground crews. The FAA conducted an audit in the fall of 2024, identifying critical gaps in procedures and equipment at these airports. To address the issue, the FAA has called for an upgrade to safety technology, including ground radar systems and automated alerts, aimed at reducing runway incursions and improving real-time communication.

The lack of experienced controllers is particularly concerning at high-traffic airports like Dallas, which see hundreds of flight operations daily. As a result of this shortage, the FAA has sometimes reduced the number of flights allowed to operate at these airports, further increasing the strain on available staff and contributing to delays and cancellations.

Significant Incidents and FAA Actions

In addition to the rise in near-miss incidents, the FAA has also reported several mechanical failures and safety issues due to rushed inspections and improper maintenance. One of the most significant incidents occurred on April 7, 2024, when a Southwest Airlines jet was forced to return to Denver after the engine cowling tore off during takeoff. This incident, which prompted an FAA investigation, highlighted the risks posed by inadequate maintenance practices, possibly due to insufficient time and resources for proper checks.

Similarly, in Phoenix on January 11, 2025, a near-collision occurred between a Delta Airlines flight and a United Airlines flight. The two planes came within 1,200 feet of each other before air traffic controllers intervened. This incident underscored the challenges facing air traffic controllers who are under immense pressure to manage rising flight volumes without the necessary staff. According to the FAA, these types of near misses have become more common as controller staffing continues to fall behind demand.

In Charlotte, a near miss on March 30, 2025, involved an American Airlines flight that was forced to execute a go-around after another aircraft was on the runway at the wrong time. The incident was attributed to both air traffic control mistakes and inadequate pilot communication, both of which are exacerbated by staffing shortages.

These near misses have raised serious concerns about whether airlines and the FAA are adequately addressing staffing and safety concerns. In some cases, airlines have been accused of prioritizing on-time performance over safety, pushing crews to complete flights even when maintenance or staffing levels are insufficient.

The FAA’s Response

In response to the growing number of near misses and runway incursions, the FAA has initiated several safety improvement programs. These include the Runway Incursion Mitigation (RIM) program, which aims to identify and address critical risks at major airports. In its most recent audit, the FAA identified procedural and equipment gaps that could increase the likelihood of runway incursions and other safety incidents.

The FAA has also launched a technology upgrade initiative, which includes the installation of automated surveillance systems at high-risk airports like Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. These systems are designed to provide real-time data to air traffic controllers and pilots, improving situational awareness and reducing the chances of human error.

Despite these measures, the FAA has acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. In a statement released in November 2025, the agency noted that staffing shortages across both air traffic control and airline personnel have continued to impact aviation safety. To address these concerns, the FAA has called for additional funding for workforce development and enhanced training programs for air traffic controllers and pilots.

Looking Ahead

The pilot shortage and air traffic control shortages are expected to persist in the coming years, with the FAA projecting a continued rise in aviation incidents unless significant improvements are made. Airlines must balance the need to cut costs with the need to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety. As the aviation industry struggles to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, both airline executives and government regulators must prioritize safety above all else.

The rise in near misses and runway incursions serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for a well-staffed, well-trained workforce in aviation. Without swift action to address these shortages, the risks to passenger and crew safety will only continue to grow.

As 2025 progresses, travelers and aviation professionals alike must remain vigilant about these safety issues. For those flying into or out of Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Detroit, these incidents underscore the importance of ensuring that proper safeguards are in place to prevent a future tragedy in the skies.