Air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport [KDCA] [Shutterstock/Eli Wilson]
Key Takeaways:
During the federal government shutdown, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford urged essential staff, particularly air traffic controllers (ATCs), to continue working without pay, despite a reported uptick in sick calls and the furlough of 11,300 nonessential workers.
To maintain safety amidst staffing shortages, the FAA is implementing new traffic limits, reducing departures and arrivals at affected airports and centers, a tactic already used in places like Newark, Orlando, and Nashville.
These shortages have caused widespread flight delays and operational disruptions, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to fire ATCs who repeatedly call out sick during the shutdown.
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.
