# ATC and Pilots Clash at San Diego Airport Over Taxi Delays

_Jul 11 10:40_

Tags: Southwest, United, LaGuardia, San Diego, airline, safety & operations, industry news

A San Diego air traffic controller exchanged heated remarks with United and Southwest pilots regarding taxi delays and gate availability, with one pilot suggesting the controller 'need to be replaced.'

## Summary

An air traffic controller at San Diego International Airport (SAN) had a tense exchange with pilots from United and Southwest during a busy morning. Due to limited taxi space and gate availability, the controller managed a complex flow of arriving aircraft. When a United pilot inquired about taxi time for flight 1069 to Chicago, the controller explained the congestion. Later, a Southwest pilot pushing for clearance was told there was inbound traffic. The interaction escalated when the Southwest pilot remarked, 'Sounds like you need to be replaced,' prompting the controller to note the pilot's attitude. Another pilot added, 'Go back to LaGuardia!' The incident highlights the pressure on ATC at single-runway airports and the friction that can occur during high-density operations

## Why it matters

Affects 3 airline programs (Air Canada, Southwest, United).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/angry-atc-impatient-pilots-argue) — Angry ATC & Impatient Pilots Argue: “You Need To Be Replaced,” “Go Back To LaGuardia!”

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