A shortage of air traffic controllers threatened disruption to departures from Sydney airport.iStockIt had also prepared for a halt on all departures between 3:30pm and 4pm,to provide a mandated break to other staff members working.
However,about an hour before the ban was due to begin,Airservices Australia managed to resolve the shortage.
A source with knowledge of the situation said that just one additional worker was required to avoid the halt to departures.
“Airservices Australia has resolved the staffing issue affecting Sydney Airport and will now be able to provide an uninterrupted departure service this afternoon,” a spokesperson said.
“Capacity due to a number of unwell air traffic controllers at Sydney Tower had been expected to affect flight departures for a 30-minute period between rosters between 3.30-4.00pm,” it said.
Qantas said it was not expecting significant delays.Oscar ColmanThe impact of the departure limits throughout the day is understood to have been minimal. Arrivals were not to be affected.
The limit on aircraft movements at the airport,which ordinarily has a cap of 80 take-off and landing movements per hour,was scheduled on what is expected to be period of busier than normal travel as NRL and AFL fans fly across the country for finals fixtures.
“We’re aware that reduced staffing at Airservices Australia may cause some flight delays today. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight,” a Sydney Airport spokesperson said. “All other airport operations are running as normal,” they added.
A source from Civil Air,the union representing air traffic controllers,who asked not to be named to protect his employment,said the air traffic controller shortage was caused by staff illness in the Sydney Airport tower.
The episode has highlighted how exposed Airservices Australia is to staff shortages.
Air traffic controller shortages are routinely linked to absences,with workers entitled to unlimited sick leave.
Airservices Australia has struggled with staff shortages in recent years following a voluntary retirement program that saw the number of employed air traffic controllers plummet.
Officials from Airservices Australia have previously told Senate estimates how just two staff calling in sick at Sydney airport on February 12 last year caused cascading flight delays and cancellations across the country,due to the flow on effect of aircraft not available for subsequently scheduled flights.
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