Air traffic controllers with perfect shutdown attendance to get bonus
A plane takes off from New York’s Laguardia Airport after the FAA ordered flight disruptions at 40 major airports during the ongoing US government shutdown in the Queens borough of New York City on November 7, 2025.
Ryan Murphy | Reuters
Air traffic controllers and technicians who participate fully during the government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses, the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration said this week.
The FAA and DOT said the bonuses will be given to 776 controllers and technicians and they will receive notification next week, with the payments due on Dec. 9. There are about 11,000 fully certified air traffic controllers in the United States, according to unions.
“These patriotic men and women didn’t miss a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the closure,” Transport Minister Sean Duffy said in a statement late Thursday. he said.
The DOT and FAA did not immediately say whether pre-scheduled vacation time or fatigue calls would disqualify controllers and technicians from the bonus.
An increase in the absence of air traffic controllers, who have been forced to work without regular wages during the shutdown that has lasted more than 40 days, the longest ever, has forced airlines to slow or cancel flights. The shutdown ended on November 12 with a bill that would keep the government funded through January.
The disruptions caused by the shutdown and the added pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom already have to work six days a week, have sparked a backlash in the aviation industry, which has called on lawmakers to ensure critical workers do not go without pay in the event of another shutdown.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents the nation’s air traffic controllers, said it was notified of the decision on cash bonuses hours before the announcement. It was stated that 311 employees represented by NATCA were entitled to payments.
“We look forward to working with Management to ensure that those not covered by the Minister’s announcement receive appropriate recognition,” the union said in a statement. he said.
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, the union representing 11,000 FAA and Department of Defense employees, including technicians, said it was “reviewing the information provided by the FAA and considering how best to ensure recognition of all employees working during the shutdown.”
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Transportation Security Administration officers who inspect passengers at airports would also receive $10,000 bonuses for perfect attendance.
“Despite tremendous personal, operational and financial challenges, these dedicated officers worked without pay every day for more than a month to ensure the American public could travel safely,” DHS said in a press release. he said.
