Airports across the United States are currently facing significant operational challenges due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This situation has worsened since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, resulting in many controllers working without pay. As a consequence, reports indicate a troubling rise in sick calls among controllers.
Impact of Government Shutdown on Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, which means they are mandated to continue their jobs despite not receiving pay during the shutdown. Typically, these workers expect to receive their back pay once the government reopens. However, uncertainty surrounds this assurance as political discussions hint they may not receive payment without explicit Congressional approval.
The stress of financial insecurity adds to the already demanding nature of the controllers’ job. Experts note that approximately 10% of the workforce has been calling in sick, a trend reminiscent of previous shutdowns. For instance, during the 2018-2019 shutdown, absenteeism peaked around two weeks in, as controllers sought alternative work to meet their financial obligations. The current situation is alarming as this seems to be occurring just days after the recent shutdown commenced.
Flight Delays and Air Travel Safety
The ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers has led to severe flight delays and cancellations at major airports, including Atlanta and Denver, as well as regional hubs like Burbank, California, and Daytona Beach, Florida. These disruptions raise concerns about the safety of air travel. However, the air traffic control system is designed with redundancies to maintain safety levels even in challenging circumstances.
- In June 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport handled only 28 to 34 aircraft per hour due to staffing shortages.
- After implementing technology upgrades, the capacity increased significantly to 68 to 72 aircraft per hour.
To manage air traffic safely, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) relies on the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, located near Washington, D.C. This facility monitors staffing levels, weather conditions, and any unexpected incidents affecting air traffic. For instance, if a facility like Burbank Airport is short-staffed, the command center will instruct inbound flights to divert or delay departures.
Long-term Solutions for Air Traffic Controller Shortages
The roots of the air traffic controller shortage can be traced back more than a decade due to insufficient training rolls to meet retirements. In May 2025, the FAA proposed a plan to collaborate with colleges nationwide to ensure a new generation of controllers is adequately trained. Unfortunately, the ongoing shutdown has halted the admission of new students into training programs.
Furthermore, in July, Congress approved over $12 billion for the modernization of the air traffic control system. The Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, is leading efforts to identify contractors for this initiative. An additional investment of $19 billion is anticipated to fully upgrade the system.
The challenges currently faced by air traffic controllers underscore the urgent need for systemic changes and investments to ensure efficient and safe air travel across the United States.
