"Alarming Surge in US Airline Close Calls Revealed: Multiple Incidents Weekly"

Commercial airlines in the US experienced 46 "close calls" in July, highlighting the alarming number of incidents this year. The shortage of air traffic controllers, with 99% of facilities being understaffed, has forced many to work mandatory overtime, leading to burnout and potential safety risks. Recent near-misses include aircraft almost colliding during take-off or landing at major airports, raising concerns among industry workers. While fatal incidents involving small aircraft occur several times per year, the last fatal crash involving a US airline was in 2009. Experts warn that the industry is facing a potential disaster if the trend of near misses is not reversed.