FAA Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization
A bill was signed into law on February 4, 2026, to fund air traffic control modernization and the hiring of new controllers, while also blocking the privatization of the system, addressing staffing shortages and improving infrastructure within the FAA. As of July 11, 2026, the FAA aims to hire 2,200 new air traffic controllers in 2026, with New Jersey investing $3.5 million to expand aviation training programs. Multiple partial government shutdowns in early 2026 led to over 3,560 TSA employees calling out sick and 500 TSA officers resigning, causing significant operational challenges and prompting United Airlines to announce a 5% flight reduction for Q2 and Q3 2026. Congress reached a bipartisan agreement to reauthorize the FAA, allocating funding to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers and mandating the FAA to hire to its training academy's maximum capacity for five years. The Trump administration's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes an additional $481 million for aviation safety systems and to address air traffic control staffing shortages.
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July 2026 — 2 developments
Airlines Urge Congress for $20 Billion to Modernize Air Traffic Control System
A coalition of major airlines, including Boeing and Airbus, is urging Congress to allocate an additional $20 billion to modernize the nation's air traffic control (ATC) system. This funding aims to replace aging infrastructure and deploy new technologies, following a previous $12.5 billion allocation last year.
FAA Plans to Hire 2,200 Controllers; NJ Invests $3.5M in Aviation Training
The FAA aims to hire 2,200 new air traffic controllers in 2026 as part of its workforce plan to address ongoing shortages and modernize the system. New Jersey is investing $3.5 million to expand aviation training programs at public colleges to bolster the pipeline of qualified personnel.
April 2026 — 5 developments
Trump Administration Proposes $481 Million for Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Control
The Trump administration's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes an additional $481 million for aviation safety systems and to address air traffic control staffing shortages. This proposal is part of a broader budget that prioritizes defense spending while reducing non-defense expenditures.
United Airlines announces 5% flight reduction for Q2 and Q3 2026 amid TSA staffing shortages
United Airlines announced a 5% flight reduction for Q2 and Q3 2026 due to operational issues and rising jet fuel prices. Over 500 TSA officers have resigned since a 47-day partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026, exacerbating staffing shortages. Airline CEOs are urging Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security to prevent further disruptions.
Government Shutdowns Cause Airline Operational Challenges and Revenue Losses in Early 2026
Multiple partial government shutdowns in early 2026 have led to significant operational challenges for the airline industry, including increased absenteeism, resignations, longer security lines, and flight delays. Airlines have reported substantial revenue losses, and the FAA has mandated capacity cuts at some airports due to controller shortages.
New Law Funds Air Traffic Control Modernization, Blocks Privatization
A bill was signed into law on February 4, 2026, to fund air traffic control modernization and the hiring of new controllers, while also blocking the privatization of the system. This legislation aims to address staffing shortages and improve infrastructure within the FAA, providing a resolution to concerns about funding and operational stability.
TSA Employees Call Out Sick Amid Shutdown; Bipartisan Bill Introduced for Air Traffic Controller Pay
Over 3,560 TSA employees have called out sick due to working without pay, causing significant airport disruptions and leading to the deployment of ICE agents for crowd control. Concurrently, a bipartisan bill has been introduced to ensure air traffic controllers are paid during future government shutdowns.
March 2026 — 10 developments
Air traffic controller pay raise on hold due to DHS shutdown
A proposed pay raise for air traffic controllers is on hold due to the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with funding tied to the DHS appropriations package. The FAA is currently short approximately 3,500 controllers from its target staffing levels, exacerbating hiring and training challenges.
Congress Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Reauthorize FAA, Fund 2,500 New Air Traffic Controllers
Congress has reached a bipartisan agreement to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allocating funding to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. The agreement mandates the FAA to hire to its training academy's maximum capacity for five years to address critical staffing shortfalls.
G.O.P. Rift Leaves Congress Without Clear Path to End Government Shutdown
A rift within the G.O.P. has left Congress without a clear path to end the ongoing government shutdown. This situation arises amidst broader discussions about government funding and operations.
Congress continues to stall bills on pay for air traffic controllers and TSA workers during shutdowns
Bills aimed at ensuring air traffic controllers and TSA workers are paid during government shutdowns continue to stall in Congress. Despite President Trump directing Homeland Security to start paying TSA workers, the issue of reliable pay during shutdowns remains unresolved, contributing to ongoing disruptions and resignations among TSA agents.
President Trump signs executive order to pay TSA workers amid government shutdown
President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers, with paychecks expected by March 30, 2026, as the ongoing partial government shutdown has caused significant airport delays. Delta Air Lines has temporarily suspended special services for members of Congress due to the shutdown's impact on resources. Aviation groups are urging Congress to pass legislation to ensure aviation workers are paid during government shutdowns.
Airline CEOs urge Congress to end shutdown amid worsening disruptions
Airline CEOs are urging Congress to end the government shutdown, warning of worsening disruptions as TSA officers and other essential personnel work without pay. Air traffic controllers are also working without pay, leading the FAA to implement flight restrictions at some airports due to controller absences.
Airlines reduce flights amid government shutdown, causing airport delays and cancellations
Major U.S. airports are experiencing delays and flight cancellations as airlines reduce flights to ease pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay during the partial government shutdown. Delays may persist as Congress remains at an impasse over funding for the Transportation Security Administration. TSA employees are working without pay, and the shutdown is affecting airports nationwide, with travelers facing lines up to three hours long at some major airports.
Government Shutdown Causes Three-Hour Airport Security Lines in U.S.
Airport security lines have reached up to three hours in some U.S. locations due to the ongoing government shutdown, with approximately 50,000 TSA screeners working without pay. The situation has worsened with increased spring break travel, significantly impacting airports like Houston Hobby, where lines averaged 3.5 hours. While the FAA is fully funded, ensuring air traffic controllers are not currently affected by this impasse, the travel industry is urging Congress to ensure on-time pay for TSA employees.
Major U.S. Airlines Launch "Pay Federal Aviation Workers" Campaign Amid Shutdown
Major U.S. airlines and travel groups launched the "Pay Federal Aviation Workers" campaign on March 5, 2026, urging Congress to ensure essential federal aviation employees receive pay during government shutdowns. This initiative comes as federal transportation security workers face their first $0 paycheck of the current shutdown, with approximately 50,000 TSA screeners working without pay.
U.S. Airlines Launch Campaign to Pay Federal Aviation Workers Amid Shutdown
Major U.S. airlines and travel groups have warned that the ongoing partial government shutdown could disrupt air traffic as the busy spring break travel season approaches. In response, these organizations have launched the "Pay Federal Aviation Workers" campaign, urging Congress to pass legislation ensuring essential federal aviation employees receive pay during shutdowns.
February 2026 — 5 developments
U.S. Government Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel, Airlines Anticipate Record Spring Break
February 2026 has seen significant disruptions to air travel due to a partial U.S. government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, leading to airport closures and the suspension of Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Despite these issues and ongoing flight cancellations, U.S. airlines are anticipating a record-breaking spring break season.
Senate Democrats withdraw support for air traffic controller pay raise amid DHS shutdown
A proposed 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers is jeopardized by the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, as Senate Democrats withdrew support for a House appropriations package that included $140 million for raises. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines anticipate a record-breaking spring travel period with 171 million passengers expected between March 1 and April 30, 2026, amidst concerns about TSA and CBP operations.
US Government Shutdown Stalls Air Traffic Controller Pay Raise
A limited U.S. government shutdown, primarily affecting the Department of Homeland Security, has stalled a proposed 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers. Airlines for America (A4A) expressed concerns that travelers are being used as a "political football" amid the shutdown, even as they prepare for a record spring travel season with an estimated 171 million passengers.
House approves $22.2 billion FAA funding, ending partial government shutdown
The House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive appropriations package that includes $22.2 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), effectively ending a partial government shutdown. This bill allocates funds to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers and upgrade facilities and technology. The approval aims to prevent air traffic controller shortages and ensure their pay during the shutdown.
FAA initiates partial shutdown, furloughs over 10,000 employees
The FAA has initiated a partial shutdown plan, resulting in the furlough of over 10,000 employees, while approximately 13,800 essential air traffic controllers continue to work without pay.
January 2026 — 9 developments
Congress Fails to Pass Spending Bills, Triggering Partial Government Shutdown
A partial government shutdown has commenced after Congress failed to pass spending bills by the deadline, leading to funding lapses for several federal agencies. Essential employees, including air traffic controllers and airport security, are required to work without pay.
Senate approves five-bill package for FY2026, funding departments and modernizing air traffic
The Senate approved a five-bill package for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes full-year funding for several departments and aims to modernize the nation's air traffic system and address the air traffic controller shortage.
Senate Democrats threaten to block DHS funding, risking February 1st government shutdown
The looming government shutdown is now specified to potentially begin on February 1st, with the impasse stemming from Senate Democrats threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security over immigration issues. The FAA's specific $22.2 billion budget for FY2026 and the House's passage of the bill are also new details.
US government faces potential shutdown, impacting TSA screeners and air traffic controllers
The US government faces a potential shutdown at midnight tonight, January 30, 2026, which would be the second in four months. Approximately 50,000 TSA screeners and 14,000 air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay.
Airlines for America urges Congress to pass funding bills for FAA employees
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) expressed concern that a shutdown would be unfortunate, noting that air traffic controllers' last full paycheck is expected on February 3. Airlines for America (A4A) specifically urged Congress to pass funding bills H.R. 6086 and S. 1045 to guarantee pay for critical FAA employees.
Congress reintroduces Prevent Government Shutdowns Act to avoid future funding lapses
Bipartisan legislation, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (PGSA), has been reintroduced in Congress to avoid future federal funding lapses by proposing an automatic continuing resolution.
U.S. faces potential government shutdown, raising air traffic controller and travel concerns
Reports indicated that the U.S. might face another partial government shutdown this weekend, raising renewed concerns about the impact on air traffic controllers and travel.
House Lawmakers Propose $22.2 Billion FAA Budget for 2026, Funding 2,500 New Air Traffic Controllers
House lawmakers have unveiled a proposed $22.2 billion FAA budget for 2026. This budget includes significant funding specifically allocated to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers to address ongoing staffing shortages. The proposal also increases funds for the Air Traffic Organization and facilities/equipment.
NYC Airport Flight Limits Extended Through 2028 Due to ATC Staffing Shortages
Flight limits have been extended at major New York City airports through 2027 and 2028 due to persistent air traffic control staffing shortages. The New York Area Terminal Radar Approach currently operates at only 57% of its targeted certified air traffic controller levels, leading to mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Bill approved to allow FAA to pay air traffic controllers during government shutdown
A bill was approved in December, allowing the FAA to continue paying air traffic controllers during a possible future government shutdown.
November 2025 — 5 developments
Congress introduces bipartisan bill to pay air traffic controllers during future government shutdowns
A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress that aims to ensure air traffic controllers are paid during future government shutdowns. The legislation proposes funding salaries and operational expenses for the Federal Aviation Administration by utilizing a $2.6 billion fund originally created to reimburse airlines for damaged planes if commandeered by the government. Sponsors hope this approach will prevent disruptions caused by unpaid essential workers.
Government shutdown ends after 43 days following LaGuardia ground stop
The 2025 government shutdown ended after 43 days, following a 4-hour ground stop at LaGuardia Airport due to ATC staffing shortages, which generated significant public backlash. The shutdown negatively impacted over 6 million passengers and cost the economy more than $150 million per day.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan urges quick approval of bill to reopen government
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan urged quick approval of a bill to reopen the government, while American Airlines reported over 250,000 customer flights were canceled or delayed over the weekend due to the shutdown's impact.
FAA announces 10% air traffic cut at 40 major airports due to controller fatigue
The FAA announced it would cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports starting November 7, citing unsustainable controller fatigue due to the ongoing shutdown.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy warns of 'mass chaos' from shutdown, FAA mandates flight cancellations
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned in November 2025 that a prolonged government shutdown could lead to "mass chaos" and potential airspace closures. The FAA also mandated flight cancellations at 40 major U.S. airports, starting with a 4% reduction and escalating to 10% by November 14, as a direct consequence of the shutdown.
October 2025 — 5 developments
Delta Air Lines urges Congress to reopen government amid air traffic controller absences
Delta Air Lines publicly called on Congress to reopen the government and ensure air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP officers were paid, citing concerns about flight impacts due to increasing absences.
Air Traffic Controllers Miss Paychecks During Government Shutdown
Air traffic controllers worked without pay and missed paychecks during a government shutdown in late 2025, with nearly 11,000 controllers receiving $0 paychecks. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that another missed paycheck could be financially catastrophic for employees. Staffing issues related to the shutdown contributed to significant flight delays and cancellations.
Air traffic controllers and TSA employees miss first paycheck amid government shutdown
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees missed their first paycheck as the federal government shutdown continued into its fourth week.
Airlines for America urges leaders to reopen government amid aviation stability concerns
Airlines for America emphasized the critical need for stability and predictability in U.S. aviation and urged elected leaders to act with urgency to reopen the federal government, highlighting the stress on federal employees working without pay.
Congress fails to pass appropriations, leading to government shutdown and unpaid air traffic controllers
A government shutdown began after Congress failed to pass appropriations, leading to thousands of air traffic controllers being required to work without pay.
September 2025 — 1 developments
U.S. Airlines Warn Government Shutdown Could Strain Aviation
Ahead of a potential partial government shutdown, U.S. airlines and aviation groups, including Airlines for America, warned that such an event could strain American aviation, slow flights, and force air traffic controllers and security officers to work without pay.
February 2024 — 1 developments
Airline CEOs urge Congress to pass legislation ensuring aviation workers are paid during shutdowns
Major U.S. airline CEOs are urging Congress to pass legislation ensuring federal aviation workers are paid during future government shutdowns. They are specifically advocating for the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act. The CEOs expressed frustration, calling air travel a "political football" amidst TSA officers working without pay and increased wait times.
January 2019 — 2 developments
Government shutdown ends after 35 days, causing air traffic controller and TSA officer absences
The 35-day government shutdown ended, having caused increased absences among air traffic controllers and TSA officers, leading to flight slowdowns and longer checkpoint wait times.
Union leaders warn government shutdown threatens air travel safety
Union leaders representing air traffic controllers, pilots, and flight attendants issued an urgent warning that the month-long government shutdown was threatening the safety and security of the nation's air travel system, citing ATCs working without pay and staffing shortages.