Major U.S. airlines are urging Congress to immediately restore pay for air traffic controllers, warning that the ongoing government shutdown is straining the aviation system and threatening passenger safety.
Controllers Working Without Pay
The federal government shutdown, now approaching a historic length, has left more than 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay. Controllers missed their first full paycheck on 28 October 2025, while thousands of other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, including technicians who maintain and certify equipment, are also unpaid.
Despite the lack of compensation, controllers remain on duty as “essential workers,” responsible for managing the safety of nearly 45,000 daily flights across the United States. Union leaders warn that fatigue, stress, and financial hardship are mounting, with some controllers forced to take second jobs to cover basic expenses.
Airlines Step In
Several major carriers, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have begun providing meals and limited support to unpaid controllers at key hubs such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.. Airline executives say these gestures are no substitute for pay, but reflect appreciation for the workers keeping the system running under extraordinary pressure.
Industry and Government Response
The Airlines for America (A4A) trade group, representing the largest U.S. carriers, has called on Congress and the White House to end the shutdown or pass emergency legislation to ensure controllers are compensated. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that the FAA lacks the budgetary flexibility to pay staff during the funding lapse, stating bluntly: “The answer is open up the government.”
Flight delays have already increased, with shortages at critical facilities causing disruptions at New York’s LaGuardia, Newark, and Washington’s Reagan National airports. According to FlightAware, delays spiked to over 6,000 nationwide in a single day last week, compared with an average of 4,000 earlier in the month.
Safety Concerns
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has warned that prolonged unpaid work could compromise safety, as controllers face mounting stress while managing complex operations that demand full concentration. “Day in and day out, air traffic controllers must have 100% focus, 100% of the time,” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “Working without pay is unsustainable.”
Outlook
With no resolution in sight, pressure is building on lawmakers to act. Airlines, unions, and safety experts agree that restoring pay for controllers is critical to maintaining the integrity of the U.S. aviation system. Until then, the nation’s skies remain safe but increasingly fragile, dependent on the dedication of workers carrying out one of the most demanding jobs in aviation without a paycheck.
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Sources: Politico; UPI; ABC News; USA Today; CBS News POLITICO UPI ABC News USA Today CBS News.
