Along with hundreds of thousands of other government employees, members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association are not happy about the partial government shutdown, now 13 days old. While NATCA members have no idea when they’ll see another paycheck, just like other federal employees, there’s even more at stake for anyone who flies.
Government Shutdown Worsens a Controller Shortage
Key Takeaways:
- The government shutdown has halted pay for air traffic controllers (NATCA) and is severely exacerbating a 30-year low in fully trained controller staffing.
- Critical training programs for new controllers are suspended, delaying future hiring and worsening the existing shortage, with long-term "ripple effects" on staffing.
- This forces current controllers to work excessive hours and threatens reduced National Airspace System capacity, potentially leading to more widespread flight delays.
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