NSW: Without traffic controllers Newcastle not safe, Dick Smith
10 Dec 2008 9:23 PM
Former CASA chairman DICK SMITH says plans by the aviation authority to operate Newcastle Airport without air traffic controllers this Christmas compromises safety.
Mr SMITH says controllers have been sent on holidays at a time when we need them most.
He says Newcastle Airport is one of the busiest non capital city airports in Australia .. and has over 50-thousand aircraft movements .. and and up to one million passenger movements per year.
CASA says from December 13 to January 10 .. there will be no air traffic controllers working at the airport .. but the move won't compromise safety at the airport.
