by Washington, D.C. – Nearly 800 air traffic controllers and technicians who maintained perfect work attendance during the recent government shutdown will be awarded $10,000 bonuses for their patriotic service, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday.
The bonuses recognize the crucial role these professionals played in ensuring sky safety amid unprecedented operational challenges during the record-long shutdown. Controllers endured extended hours, staffing shortages, and increased flight disruptions while working without pay.
Honoring Dedication Amid a Record-Long Shutdown
The government shutdown lasted more than 40 days, causing significant disruptions in airport operations. According to FAA officials, the award will be sent to those who demonstrated perfect attendance through this difficult period. Recipients will receive notification next week, with payments scheduled by December 9.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed profound pride and gratitude, calling the personnel’s service “the highest levels of public service” for maintaining the safe operation of the national airspace during extraordinary challenges.
“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the national airspace running safely during the longest government shutdown.” – FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford
Challenges Faced by Air Traffic Personnel
The shutdown intensified an already difficult environment for air traffic controllers, who faced:
- Working overtime without pay
- Staff shortages leading to heavy workloads
- Mass cancellations and delays of flights
- Temporary cuts in flights at over 40 of the busiest airports
- Some employees needing second jobs to make ends meet
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared the bonus announcement on X (formerly Twitter), jokingly saying, “Santa’s coming to town a little early.” The bonuses reflect the administration’s recognition of the controllers’ dedication despite financial uncertainty.
Union Concerns and Future Recognition
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) confirmed that 311 union-represented employees will receive the bonus. However, the union raised concerns that many others who worked without pay during the shutdown were excluded from this recognition.
“We are concerned that thousands of air traffic controllers who consistently reported for duty during the shutdown, ensuring the safe transport of passengers and cargo across the nation, while working without pay and uncertain of when they would receive compensation, were excluded from this recognition.” – NATCA Statement
The union emphasized the important role of over 311 dedicated professionals in keeping America moving and seeks to collaborate with the administration to extend appropriate recognition to those omitted.
Background and Official Statements
The FAA reported there are more than 14,000 air traffic controllers nationwide. Last week, then-President Trump suggested on Truth Social the idea of $10,000 bonuses for controllers with perfect attendance during the shutdown while also proposing significant penalties for those who did not return to work.
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For more details on this story, visit the original report at NBC News.
Looking Ahead
As the FAA begins issuing these well-deserved awards, questions remain about how further recognition and support will be provided for all air traffic personnel who served during this challenging period.
What do you think about rewarding air traffic controllers with bonuses for their shutdown service? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
