US Air Traffic Controllers With Perfect Attendance Get $10K Bonus

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that only air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the recent government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses. Out of more than 10,000 controllers who worked without pay, only 776 met this strict criterion.

The 43-day federal shutdown forced controllers to work without pay, causing some to miss shifts due to financial pressures such as childcare costs or gas expenses. Many took side jobs, while others could not make it to work. These absences led to flight delays and cancellations at 40 busy airports across the United States.

President Donald Trump had suggested awarding $10,000 bonuses to controllers who stayed on the job during the shutdown. The FAA clarified that only those who never missed a shift would qualify. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the bonuses recognize the dedication of these controllers, calling them “patriotic men and women” who kept air travel safe despite the shutdown.

The FAA was already facing a shortage of controllers before the shutdown. Many controllers work long hours, often 10-hour shifts six days a week, and the shutdown worsened staffing challenges. Some students and experienced controllers left, and retirements increased, adding pressure to the system.

As a result, the FAA ordered airlines to cut flights temporarily to reduce strain on air traffic controllers. Pilots raised concerns about safety, citing delayed responses and runway incidents due to absences.

Since the shutdown ended, staffing has improved, and airlines have resumed normal operations. The FAA continues to work on hiring and training more controllers to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of US air travel.