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When Nashville air traffic control went dark, Memphis took over

By , Daily Memphian Published: October 12, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Memphis air traffic controllers had to step in and guide air traffic in Nashville earlier this week due to staffing shortages, but officials say Memphis is in no such danger.

The Federal Aviation Administration attributed the Nashville staffing shortages to “unexpected callouts.” 

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Memphis International Airport Air traffic controllers U.S. Department of Transportation federal government shutdown Subscriber Only

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Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism and manufacturing.


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