On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 was involved in a collision with a US military helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport, located near the Potomac River. At the time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Reagan National Airport (DCA) will remain closed until at least 5am on Friday due to the mid-air incident involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter.
A total of sixty-four people were aboard the aircraft that took off from Wichita, Kansas. There were three soldiers present on board the helicopter.
Following a tragic accident, President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of the Federal Aviation Authority’s air traffic controllers and has consistently sought to attribute responsibility for the midair collision in Washington, D.C., to the FAA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring practices, despite lacking supporting evidence, while alleging, without substantiation, that the FAA hires air traffic controllers who are ‘intellectually deficient.’
Today, the Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) expressed solidarity with US Air Traffic Controllers following Washington National Airport tragedy:
The Air Traffic Controllers European Unions Coordination (ATCEUC) expresses its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families impacted by the unfortunate incident at Washington National Airport. Our thoughts are also with the members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) and the broader U.S. air traffic control community as they endure this profoundly challenging period.
ATCEUC fully supports the air traffic controllers at Washington National Tower, Potomac TRACON, and throughout the United States. We recognize the significant difficulties they encounter in the aftermath of such tragedies and commend their steadfast professionalism in upholding the highest standards of aviation safety.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies and responsibilities associated with the air traffic control profession. It underscores the urgent necessity for ongoing support, sufficient resources, and equitable working conditions to empower controllers to execute their responsibilities under the best possible circumstances.
ATCEUC reiterates its dedication to the principles of Just Culture, which serve as a fundamental element of aviation safety. It is crucial to protect and enhance these principles to create an environment where professionals can report safety issues without apprehension, thereby improving the overall safety of the aviation sector.
A comprehensive and independent investigation is essential for grasping the details surrounding this incident. ATCEUC has complete confidence in the US authorities to carry out an unbiased investigation, free from any political or media influence, that maintains the integrity of aviation safety. Promoting transparency and a fact-based evaluation will bolster trust in the system and aid in future advancements.
We hold unwavering confidence in the commitment, skill, and professionalism of our American air traffic controller counterparts. ATCEUC is prepared to provide comprehensive support to NATCA and the entire US air traffic control community in every possible manner.