Air Traffic Controllers Warn of Increased Risks Amid Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown drags into its second week, frustrated air traffic controllers are voicing serious concerns about passenger safety across U.S. airlines.

With over 14,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controllers not receiving pay, the high levels of stress are increasingly affecting their performance and, by extension, aviation safety.

Two anonymous controllers shared their growing concerns, highlighting that the situation is deteriorating daily and advising travelers to be vigilant.

One controller from South Carolina noted, “Economic insecurity not only hurts morale, but it directly impacts safety.” They elaborated, saying, “When you’re responsible for thousands of lives and worried about paying your rent or feeding your children, it’s tough to stay focused. Those fleeting moments of distraction can lead to significant consequences.”

The spotlight on air traffic control has intensified this year following a tragic plane-helicopter collision in Washington, D.C., that resulted in 67 deaths, along with numerous radar and communication issues that alarmed officials and passengers alike.

Another controller in South Carolina pointed out that even before the shutdown, staffing and salaries were inadequate. “Now, we’re really struggling,” they declared.

A California controller echoed this sentiment, stating, “The shutdown is affecting everyone flying in the U.S. More stress leads to more risk—it’s just common sense.”

Since the shutdown began on October 1, passengers have experienced long delays at various airports, while many unpaid controllers have reported feeling unwell. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned some alarming scenes observed at air traffic control facilities, noting a 50% reduction in available staff.

At Hollywood Burbank Airport, for instance, there were no controllers in the tower for over five hours on a recent Monday, and about 300 flights faced delays at Nashville due to similar staffing shortages.

Overtime Fatigue

Controllers who are still showing up for work are logging excessive overtime hours, which raises concerns about fatigue while carrying out critical tasks requiring intense focus.

One California controller shared, “I recorded 185 hours of overtime this year. Last year, it was over 400, but I reduced my hours due to the toll it took on my mental and physical health.” They added, “Passengers often overlook that those directing planes are underpaid, overworked, and exhausted while managing huge responsibilities. The fatigue doesn’t just disappear upon leaving work.”

Adding to their stress, controllers reliant on overtime pay dread the potential of not receiving it when the shutdown eventually ends. “During the last government shutdown, we had to fight for our unpaid overtime, and it took years to see any resolution,” the controller lamented.

Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Duffy emphasized that beyond concerns about overtime, controllers are anxious about delayed paychecks. “As they’re handling air traffic, they’re also asking themselves how they will manage their bills. It’s tough to cope with the stress of a second job when the main job is already demanding,” he noted.

Controllers mentioned that many have been grappling with these issues long before the shutdown. “These closures have worsened a long-standing problem,” a South Carolina controller argued. “Most managers live paycheck to paycheck, often holding side jobs to meet rising expenses.”

The father of three, with a decade of service at the FAA, admitted to having taken additional jobs just to support his family. According to data, the median income for air traffic controllers sits around $144,580 annually, yet some positions, like a superintendent role in South Carolina, earn less than $95,000, which is hardly enough to qualify as middle class today.

The outlook remains bleak, with no resolution to the shutdown in sight. FAA workers are expected to receive a partial paycheck on October 14, followed by a complete lack of pay on October 28.

This ongoing crisis might lead travelers to rethink flying until the government reopens, but air traffic controllers assure that they continue doing all they can to ensure safe flights. “The only reason this system is functioning is because the dedicated individuals behind the microphones refuse to fail,” a South Carolina controller stated. “But that dedication comes at a personal cost to our well-being.”

“While we meet the required safety standards daily, it’s not the level we should be aiming for,” agreed controllers from California. “No one deserves to endure this situation.”