Air Traffic Controllers Begin Resigning Amid Government Shutdown: “They’re Stretched So Thin for So Long”
The head of the air traffic controllers’ union says the ongoing government shutdown is driving some controllers to quit as stress and financial strain mount.
“We’re seeing air traffic controllers resign,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, in an interview with CNN. “We are 400 fewer controllers today than during the 2019 shutdown… they’ve been stretched so thin for so long that they’re actually resigning from the profession.”
The shutdown — now in its 37th day — has left federal employees unpaid. Democrats are demanding a deal that maintains Affordable Care Act subsidies, while President Donald Trump and Republicans have refused, leading to stalled negotiations.
The FAA confirmed an increase in sick calls and has slowed air traffic at 40 airports to manage staffing shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the growing fatigue: “They’re working six days a week, 10 hours a day… you’re going to get burned out.”
Daniels said the financial impact is especially hard on new hires. “They’re calling their employer saying, ‘I have no gas today. I cannot pay for my child care,’” he said. “They’re already maxing out credit cards and taking out loans.”