In a recent announcement, it was revealed that only 776 out of approximately 20,000 air traffic controllers and technicians, who were compelled to work without pay during the unprecedented government shutdown, will receive the $10,000 bonuses proposed by President Donald Trump. These individuals are being recognized for maintaining flawless attendance during the shutdown period.
As the shutdown extended beyond a month, many air traffic controllers began to call in sick due to the mounting financial strain of working without a paycheck. Some sought secondary employment, while others struggled with the costs associated with childcare and commuting. Their absence led to significant delays at airports nationwide, prompting the government to reduce flights at 40 major airports.
President Trump had floated the idea of rewarding those who remained on duty through a social media post, suggesting that those who missed work should face salary deductions. However, the Federal Aviation Administration has not indicated any intention to impose such penalties.
In addition to controllers, thousands of FAA technicians were required to continue their duties during the shutdown, ensuring the proper functioning of the equipment critical to air traffic control operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of the bonuses, describing them as a tribute to the unwavering commitment of those few workers who did not miss a single shift throughout the 43-day ordeal. He lightheartedly remarked on social media, “Santa’s coming to town a little early.”
In his official statement, Duffy lauded these dedicated individuals for their steadfast service, stating, “These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown.”
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association union said only 311 of its members will receive the bonuses. The union said these workers with perfect attendance deserve recognition but so do the others.
“We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition. More than 311 of these dedicated professionals were instrumental in keeping America moving,” the union said in a statement.
Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen questioned why all the controllers and others who worked to keep flights moving during during the shutdown won’t get bonuses.
“For the Trump administration to not give a bonus to every single one of these hardworking women and men is wrong; they all deserve a bonus and back pay,” said Larsen, who is the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee.
The controllers union said they hope to work with Duffy to find a way to recognize all the other air traffic controllers who worked during the shutdown.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that any TSA officers who went “above and beyond” while working without pay would get $10,000 bonuses, but she never specified how many will qualify beyond the handful of checks she handed out to officers at a news conference.
The FAA was already critically short on air traffic controllers before the shutdown. Duffy had been working to boost controller hiring and streamline the years of training required in the hope of eliminating the shortage over the next several years.
Duffy has said that some students and controllers quit and more experienced controllers retired during the shutdown. Many controllers already work 10-hour shifts six days a week because the FAA is so short on staffing.
As more controllers missed work, the FAA ordered airlines to cut flights to relieve pressure on the system. Duffy said repeatedly that FAA safety experts became worried as the absences grew because of reports from pilots concerned about controllers’ responses and a number of runway incursions.
Since the shutdown ended, controller staffing has improved significantly and airlines were allowed to resume normal operations this week.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
