Elon Musk Warns Air Traveler Safety 'At Serious Risk' - Newsweek

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

Elon Musk recently took to his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to warn that a critical air traffic control system is on the verge of collapse, as reports emerged that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract and awarding the work to the billionaire's own Starlink.

Newsweek reached out to the FAA, Elon Musk's Tesla and Starlink for comment on Thursday.

Why It Matters

Musk, who leads SpaceX and Tesla, has been reshaping the FAA under his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, which aims to streamline federal agencies. This overhaul has led to significant staff reductions at the FAA, including key positions and pilot certification and aviation safety enforcement.

The debate over aviation safety has intensified following the deadliest U.S. air disaster in decades—a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., which killed 64 people on January 29. Some analysts warn that continued deregulation and workforce cuts could increase the likelihood of similar tragedies.

What To Know

The Washington Post recently reported that the FAA is "close to canceling" its contract for a communications system that serves as the backbone of U.S. air traffic control. This move is raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Musk has been vocal about the aging system, posting throughout the week that the network used by air traffic controllers is in urgent need of modernization. On Monday, he wrote on X, "The Verizon system is not working and is putting air travelers at serious risk."

Further reports emerged that Starlink equipment had been installed in FAA facilities, suggesting that the company may take over the multi-billion dollar contract previously held by Verizon. Musk addressed these reports, stating that the current system is "breaking down very rapidly."

On Thursday, Musk wrote on X, "The FAA assessment is single-digit months to catastrophic failure, putting air traveler safety at serious risk." He added that SpaceX is stepping in to help, announcing, "The Starlink terminals are being sent at NO COST to the taxpayer on an emergency basis to restore air traffic control connectivity. The situation is extremely dire."

On Thursday, Elon Musk responded to press reports that the FAA is considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon and awarding it to Starlink.On Thursday, Elon Musk responded to press reports that the FAA is considering canceling a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon and awarding it to Starlink.Getty Images

Former FAA officials have expressed concern over the potential use of Starlink in the nation's aviation system without adequate testing and review. They shared their alarm with the Associated Press, citing the lack of debate over the system's benefits and drawbacks.

Critics also argue that awarding such a significant contract to Starlink, especially while Musk is actively reshaping the FAA, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. SpaceX is already deeply embedded in U.S. aviation and space infrastructure, and this deal would further extend its influence over federal air safety operations.

What People Are Saying

Elon Musk on X: "The Verizon system is not working and is putting air travelers at serious risk."

Jessica Tillipman, a contracting law expert at George Washington University, told the Associated Press about Musk's role: "There's very limited transparency. Without that transparency, we have no idea how much non-public information he has access to or what role he's playing in what contracts are being awarded."

Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat, also voiced her concerns on X: "What actually hurts aviation safety is purging the federal workforce of career public servants and experts who have spent their entire lives working to keep the American people safe."

What Happens Next

The FAA contract is not Musk's only area of potential conflict. His allies have also taken over many operations at the General Services Administration (GSA), which controls real estate and contracting for several government agencies. The GSA currently offers other agencies the ability to launch payloads through an existing SpaceX contract, putting the agency in a position to direct business toward Musk.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees aspects of SpaceX and Musk's electric car company, Tesla. NASA and the Department of Defense (DOD) are major customers of SpaceX, and his brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, is facing regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).