President Donald Trump has issued a stern directive for air traffic controllers to return to their posts, warning of potential pay cuts as airports across the nation grapple with delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has sounded the alarm, reporting significant delays at numerous airports due to the protracted government shutdown, now stretching into its 40th day. This funding deadlock has left federal workers, including air traffic controllers, facing unpaid work, prompting some to stay home.

The effects of this shutdown are becoming increasingly visible, with travel disruptions now a pressing issue for American travelers. In response, President Trump has called for the unpaid controllers to resume work to ease the burden on the nation’s airports. “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!” Trump declared via social media on Monday morning, adding that those who do not comply will face “substantial” pay reductions.

While expressing his frustration with the situation, the president, aged 79, did extend praise to those federal aviation employees who have continued their duties without pay. For these individuals, whom he described as ‘patriotic,’ Trump proposed a $10,000 bonus. He emphasized that these controllers, whom he commended for not taking time off during what he termed the “Democrat Shutdown Hoax,” deserve recognition for their exemplary service to the country.

‘For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU.’ The lengthy statement also urged those who were not up to the challenge to quit their posts, despite the FAA already facing staffing issues. The threat to the air traffic controllers comes the same week that Trump has doubled down on his proposal to send Americans $2,000 checks with money generated through his tariff plans.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that the travel woes will only continue to get worse until the holidays kick off on Thanksgiving. ‘It’s only going to get worse… the two weeks before Thanksgiving, you’re going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle,” Duffy said on CNN over the weekend. ‘Many of them are not going to be able to get on an airplane, because there are not going to be that many flights that fly if this thing doesn’t open back up,’ Duffy said.

Earlier this month, Duffy noted in an interview with CNBC that the government is short 2,000 to 3,000 air traffic controllers. There are roughly 14,000 controllers in the US. Sunday was the worst day for air traffic in the US since the shutdown began. Over 10,800 flights were delayed and 2,800 were canceled on Sunday. The disruptions impacted hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the US for travel, and millions regularly fly home or to loved ones for the day, posing issues for the beleaguered federal aviation workers who have gone without pay for close to a month and a half. However, a funding breakthrough may be close. On Sunday evening, the Senate voted to advance a framework for a legislative deal to fund the government and end the shutdown. The move sets up a potential funding vote later this week, though congressional leadership has remained opaque on the details.