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Cost-Cutting Plan Could Close Control Towers

By Alabama Public Radio

Washington, D.C. – The government is considering a cost-cutting plan that would leave control owers at some airports in the dark between midnight and 5 a.m. The only Alabama airport included on the potentials list is the Birmingham International Airport. The air traffic controllers' union, meanwhile, says the move would compromise safety. Lawmakers also say they worry that it could lead to service reductions in their states. FAA spokesperson Greg Martin says the agency is looking to adjust staffing to meet changes in demand. He also says the FAA has not made a final decision and is reviewing each airport. There are 48 total airports that handle few commercial and cargo flights in those five late-night hours.

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