What Fliers Need to Know About Air Traffic Control Amid the Government Shutdown

"Flight delays are just the tip of the iceberg. The US federal government has now officially been shut down for more than two weeks, and the nation's air travel system is feeling the strain. Flight delays and cancellations have occurred throughout the country as air traffic controllers, working with delayed paychecks, are calling in sick at slightly higher levels than usual, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a recent press conference."

""With this added distraction we will begin to see the introduction of risk into the air traffic control system," NATCA President Nick Daniels said in an emailed statement. "Some of our lowest paid controllers in some of the highest cost of living areas, and others that live paycheck to paycheck, will-instead of focusing on the stressful work they are paid to perform-be focusing on what they can't afford to pay. That change in focus introduces risk into the system.""

"US controllers received a partial paycheck on October 15, and if the shutdown continues to drag on, will be forced to work completely unpaid starting October 28. Air traffic control (ATC) staff are required to work grueling schedules of up to 10-hour shifts six days a week. But it's not just sick leave that's a concern. Controllers working under stress can ultimately become a safety concern, according to leaders of the National Air Traffic Controller Association (NATCA),"

The US federal government shutdown has exceeded two weeks and is disrupting the national air travel system. Air traffic controllers have experienced delayed paychecks and an increase in sick leave, contributing to flight delays and cancellations. Controllers received a partial paycheck on October 15 and could be unpaid beginning October 28 while continuing to work long, grueling schedules. Union leaders warn that financial stress and distraction among controllers introduce risk into the air traffic control system. The shutdown persists amid repeated failed Senate votes, with no clear resolution and another scheduled vote on October 20.

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