One chart in particular drew special attention. It illustrated the geographical distribution of future congestion in en route airspace, with particular concerns discussed about the airspace in the Cleveland and Indianapolis centers. Until recently, airspace congestion received limited attention in comparison to congestion at airports. However, as a result of increasing demand, thunderstorms, and other factors, concerns about airspace congestion are now a part of the public attention. The rate of growth of RJ traffic is aggravating an already difficult situation.
Many large airports are near or at full capacity.
Even those with expansion plans will have difficulty keeping up with the growth in air traffic that is anticipated over the next ten years. At other airports, where there are no plans for new runways in the foreseeable future, airline plans may be stymied by an inability to increase traffic without bringing on gridlock. In the air the situation is no better. Already, the high altitudes flown by jets are much more crowded than the lower altitude airspace where turboprops fly. As turboprops are retired and more long-distance RJ flights are added, this situation will get worse.