New Bill Would Allow Air Traffic Controllers to Work Past Retirement Age

ATCs can currently work to age 61 with a special exemption.

Zach Vasile

Friday, July 11, 2025 at 04:30 PM ET

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Travis Tingle

An air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty International Airport [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the "Control Tower Continuity Act" to allow air traffic controllers (ATCs) to work past the mandatory retirement age of 61.
The bill aims to address the nation's significant ATC shortage by enabling healthy, experienced controllers to remain in the workforce longer, potentially reducing delays and safety concerns.
ATCs opting to extend their careers past 61 would be required to meet specific medical standards and update their certifications every six months.
This legislative effort complements other initiatives by the Transportation Department, which include new recruitment bonuses and retention incentives for ATCs, such as bonuses for those who delay retirement.

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Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) on Thursday introduced a bill that would give the U.S. Transportation secretary the power to exempt air traffic controllers from mandatory retirement past age 61.

The Control Tower Continuity Act would allow air traffic controllers (ATCs) to continue working past 61 provided they meet certain medical standards and agree to update their medical certifications every six months.