Austin Airport to Receive New Safety Systems After Several Near Misses

AUSTIN, TX – New aviation security systems are coming to Austin Airport following the passage of a new law. This follows concerns following several near misses.

Sen. Ted Cruz said this bill is a direct response to aviation issues, including several in Austin.

On February 14, 2023, a Southwest flight was cleared to take off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as a FedEx cargo plane was about to land on the same runway. They missed each other by about 70 feet.

“Our country is experiencing an aviation safety crisis,” U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said in November 2023.

The incident at ABIA was mentioned during the drafting of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which was supported by both parties.

“Look, there are times when the legislative process doesn't work. There are times when you're at an impasse in Washington, but this was an example, really, I think, a model of how the process legislation should work,” said U.S. Senator Ted. Cruz said.

The bill authorizes more than $105 billion for the FAA and $738 million for the National Transportation Safety Board through fiscal year 2028.

“When we think about theft, the number one priority has to be safety,” said Senator Cruz.

The legislation increases cockpit voice recording time, calls for hiring more air traffic controllers and technical engineers, provides improvement grants to airports to help them meet their growing demand, and includes equipment advanced slope safety.

“This equipment will be on the runway, so air traffic controllers have the sensors they need to know before a near miss happens,” Senator Cruz said.

Runway equipment is expected to be installed at the Austin airport in July.

The ABIA reported at least four near misses last year, including planes missing each other by just a few meters or coming too close to the runway.

Sen. Cruz said another problem was the shortage of pilots and he pushed to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67, but it did not pass. He said he plans to continue working on that provision.