Blue Grass Airport’s shortage of air traffic controllers could leave tower empty some nights

Lexington air traffic controllers asked the state Department of Aviation last week to share news that due to staffing shortages, some 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shifts would be moved to daytime hours and the control tower may be closed some nights. It noted Indianapolis control would provide approach control during periods of reduced visibility. A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement revealing shortages dating back to last year and plans to hire thousands of new controllers – without mentioning the shortage at Blue Grass Airport. Monday, seven commercial flights were scheduled to arrive after 10 p.m.