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.

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.

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.

At times Monday evening, as few as three air traffic controllers per hour were lined up to monitor via radar the planes flying into and out of the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Caught in the middle of the issues at Newark is United Airlines, which is the most active airline at the New Jersey airport. While the problems lie with the FAA system, the airline is where people often aim their frustrations over cancellations and delays.