San Carlos Airport Loses Air Traffic Controllers Amid Pay Dispute

San Carlos Airport in San Mateo County will be unstaffed starting February 1 due to a pay dispute over a new contract awarded to Robinson Aviation (RVA), which did not include locality pay to account for the Bay Area's high cost of living. As a result, all current air traffic controllers, who were previously employed by Serco, have declined RVA's offers, which significantly undercut their existing compensation. The airport management is collaborating with U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin to urge the FAA to fulfill its obligation to provide air traffic services. In the absence of controllers, the airport will operate under 'ATC Zero' conditions, requiring pilots to coordinate their own movements. This change comes in the context of heightened concerns about air safety following a recent mid-air collision near Washington, D.C. Airport officials are exploring options to either revert to Serco staffing or secure FAA personnel to restore air traffic control operations.