FAA Modifies Rest Rules for Air Traffic Controllers

Change affecting off-duty time before midnight shift expected to start in 2026.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 09:48 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An air traffic control tower in San Francisco [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA, in agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), is reducing the mandatory off-duty period for air traffic controllers before a midnight shift from 12 hours to 10 hours.
This adjustment, aligning with industry rest standards, aims to provide greater flexibility in staffing and maintain adequate coverage at ATC centers without undermining controller alertness.
The change, effective in fiscal year 2026, is part of the FAA's broader strategy to address a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, which also includes various financial incentives and potential exemptions to the mandatory retirement age.

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The FAA is slightly modifying rules governing mandatory rest periods for air traffic controllers.

The agency said it reached an agreement with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) that will change the required off-duty period before a midnight shift from 12 hours to 10 hours. The adjustment will make it easier to maintain adequate staffing at ATC centers, officials said, and will not undermine efforts to ensure controllers are well-rested and alert for their shifts.