New Bill Would Allow Air Traffic Controllers to Work Past Retirement Age

ATCs can currently work to age 61 with a special exemption.

Zach Vasile

Friday, July 11, 2025 at 04:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty International Airport [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the "Control Tower Continuity Act" to allow air traffic controllers (ATCs) to work past the mandatory retirement age of 61.
The bill would grant the U.S. Transportation secretary power to exempt ATCs, provided they meet medical standards and update certifications regularly.
The initiative aims to alleviate the nationwide shortage of approximately 3,000 ATCs, which is currently contributing to flight delays, cancellations, and safety concerns.
This legislative proposal complements other efforts by the Transportation Department, including recruitment bonuses and incentives for experienced controllers to delay retirement.

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Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) on Thursday introduced a bill that would give the U.S. Transportation secretary the power to exempt air traffic controllers from mandatory retirement past age 61.

The Control Tower Continuity Act would allow air traffic controllers (ATCs) to continue working past 61 provided they meet certain medical standards and agree to update their medical certifications every six months.