Hundreds of calls lodged with contractors over the impact of budget cuts on control towers . At issue are services at 168 air traffic towers staffed by civilians . Tower closures would not necessarily result in airport closures , because some aircraft can land without ATC help , and those that need controller help can communicate with more distant FAA facilities . However , government - wide budget cuts are expected to impact these services .
Hundreds of calls lodged with contractors over the impact of budget cuts on control towers . At issue are services at 168 air traffic towers staffed by civilians . However , government - wide budget cuts are expected to impact these services .