Duffy Doubles Down on Trump’s ATC Bonuses, Vows ‘Action’ for Sick-Outs

Transportation Secretary says president's idea of bonuses for controllers who worked every scheduled shift is ‘brilliant.’

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 09:53 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivers remarks at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. [Courtesy: U.S. Department of Transportation]

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced air traffic controllers (ATCs) will receive full back pay within a week of the government reopening, while also vowing to take action against ATCs who missed shifts and proposing bonuses for those who consistently worked.
The government shutdown led to chronic ATC staffing issues, causing widespread flight delays, cancellations, and mandated reductions in operations at major airports, driven by concerns for system safety and increased risks.
The shutdown exacerbated a pre-existing severe shortage of over 3,000 ATCs, leading to an increase in retirements and trainee attrition, which threatens the FAA's long-term staffing goals and the stability of the air traffic control system.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that air traffic controllers (ATCs)—thousands of whom have been working without pay during the federal government shutdown—will soon be compensated in full.

Speaking at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) on Tuesday, Duffy said ATCs will receive about 70 percent of their pay within one to two days of the government reopening, with the rest coming within one week. The Senate on Monday passed a bill that would restore federal appropriations, sending it to a House vote on Tuesday.