Post by : Rameen Ariff

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed that only those air traffic controllers who maintained perfect attendance throughout the recent government shutdown will be awarded $10,000 bonuses. Of the over 10,000 controllers who worked during this period without pay, only 776 achieved this stringent standard.

During the 43-day federal shutdown, many controllers were forced to work without compensation, leading some to miss their shifts due to financial obligations like childcare or transportation costs. Several took on second jobs, while others struggled to get to work. As a result, these absences contributed to significant delays and cancellations at 40 major airports across the United States.

President Donald Trump had initially suggested the $10,000 bonuses for those who remained on duty during the shutdown. However, the FAA clarified that the bonuses would apply solely to controllers who did not miss a single shift. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that these bonuses honor the commitment of these individuals, referring to them as “patriotic men and women” who kept air travel safe amid the shutdown.

The FAA was grappling with a staffing shortage even before the shutdown occurred. Many controllers typically endure long shifts, often spanning 10 hours over six days a week, and the shutdown exacerbated these staffing issues. With some part-time and experienced controllers leaving and an uptick in retirements, the system became increasingly strained.

Consequently, the FAA instructed airlines to temporarily reduce flights to alleviate the burden on air traffic controllers. Pilots voiced safety concerns, indicating that delayed responses and runway incidents had arisen from these staffing shortfalls.

Since the conclusion of the shutdown, staffing levels have seen improvement, and airlines have returned to their usual operations. The FAA is persistently focused on recruiting and training additional controllers to enhance the long-term safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States.

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