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7h ago

Unpaid Controllers Miss First Paychecks as FAA Links Staffing Gaps to Flight Delays

Missed paychecks are worsening shortages that the FAA links to rising flight delays.

Air Traffic Controller Lisa Blake distributes a leaflet to travelers explaining how the federal government shutdown is impacting air travel at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Mich on Tuesday.
A plane takes off behind the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia on Tuesday.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, speaks during a press conference at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Tuesday.
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference at LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Tuesday.

Overview

  • Thousands of air traffic controllers received zero-dollar paychecks Tuesday while continuing to work long hours without pay.
  • FAA data highlight major staffing gaps at control centers serving Denver, Philadelphia, and large portions of the western United States.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said controller staffing issues accounted for 44% of flight delays on Sunday and about 24% on Monday.
  • NATCA representatives canvassed 22 airports, asking passengers to press their elected officials to resolve the funding lapse.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the shutdown’s toll on federal employees and said Democrats voted for the 13th time against reopening the government.