Nassau Standard

Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) joined members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NACTA) in Westbury, New York, to oppose the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) recent efforts to transfer air traffic controllers from Long Island’s N90 TRACON facility to a location near Philadelphia.

The rally was attended by impacted air traffic controllers, their families, and NACTA union leaders. The Congressmen reaffirmed their commitment to preserving jobs at the N90 TRACON facility and preventing the transfer of 17 air traffic controllers.

The FAA's plan involves shifting operations related to Newark (EWR) Airspace from N90 to a Philadelphia facility. This would result in job relocations from Long Island to an out-of-state location—a move strongly opposed by both Congressmen.

“Ripping hardworking air traffic controllers from the community they call ‘home’ is both morally wrong and potentially disruptive to operations at the N90 facility, and I am deeply disturbed by the callousness displayed by the FAA throughout this process. I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure these good, union jobs are not shipped out-of-state, and these impacted families can finally have some peace of mind,” said D’Esposito.

"These 17 hardworking air traffic controllers are also mothers, fathers, spouses, caregivers, and neighbors. What the FAA is attempting to do - yank them away from their families, schools, doctors, and communities - is a disgrace. The impact that these forced relocations will have on these individuals and families cannot be understated. We have been down this road before and we will continue to keep pressure on and keep fighting the FAA on this shortsighted and thoughtless decision,” said Suozzi.

In May 2024, after 17 air traffic controllers at N90 received letters notifying them of an imminent transfer, Congressmen D’Esposito and Suozzi wrote a bipartisan letter demanding an immediate halt to any transfer plans. Additional co-signers included Congressman Nick LaLota, Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Congressman Rob Menendez, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.