Air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport [KDCA] [Shutterstock/Eli Wilson]
Key Takeaways:
Due to the federal government shutdown, essential FAA staff, including air traffic controllers (ATCs), are required to work without pay, while thousands of nonessential employees are furloughed.
An uptick in ATC sick calls has been noted, prompting FAA Administrator Bedford to remind staff of their critical duties and the Transportation Secretary to warn against repeated absences.
To maintain safety amidst these staffing constraints, the FAA is implementing new traffic limits, reducing departures and arrivals in affected regions, which has already caused air travel delays and operational disruptions at several major airports.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford praised the agency’s staff for its resilience this week while reminding air traffic controllers (ATCs) and other essential staff that they must keep reporting for work, even without a paycheck.
In a message to staff, Bedford expressed “sincere gratitude” to the employees of the FAA and said the American “way of life” depends on its service.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
