A veteran air traffic controller has opened up in stunning detail about the Trump-era safety crisis currently roiling the U.S. travel industry. Jonathan Stewart outlined in an on-the-record interview a recent close call at Newark-Liberty International Airport, and outlined the dangers of staffing shortages bedeviling the FAA.

An exclusive video obtained by CBS News shows inside the problem-plagued air traffic control facility that handles flights in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport during a brief outage on May 9.

FAA reports brief communications failure in Denver air traffic control, maintained safety through emergency frequency.

The revelation comes months after the midair collision between a commercial jet and an Army helicopter killed 67 people, raising questions about military aircraft in the congested capital airspace.

Experts said while the air system is safe, it is definitely being stressed out — which is why we might see fewer flight options this summer.

Sen. John Fetterman called for bipartisanship and asked for support for Pennsylvania programs during a Senate hearing on Wednesday about air traffic safety.

The United States aviation industry continues to grapple with the worst air traffic controller shortage in nearly 30 years as a recent spate of incidents has thrust the high-stress profession into the spotlight.