Trump Demands Immediate Return of Air Traffic Controllers Amid Increase in Flight Cancellations
President Donald Trump demanded on Monday the immediate return of all air traffic controllers to their posts, amidst a growing wave of flight cancellations caused by the prolonged government shutdown. The measure aims to contain the impact of staff shortages affecting the country’s major airports.
Through social media, Trump issued a forceful message: “All air traffic controllers must return to work, NOW! Those who do not will be substantially ‘penalized’. REPORT FOR DUTY IMMEDIATELY.” Furthermore, he promised to grant $10,000 bonuses to those who have not taken time off during the 41 days of the government shutdown and stated he would accept the resignations of those who do not return.
Impact on Air Travel: Alarming Figures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that between 20% and 40% of controllers have been absent daily at the 30 largest airports in the country. This situation forced the cancellation of nearly 2,000 flights on Monday alone, while the number of delays reached 5,825 by 3 p.m., according to the specialized site FlightAware. The previous Sunday saw 2,950 cancellations and nearly 11,200 delays, making it the worst day since the shutdown began on October 1.
The FAA ordered airlines to reduce their operations by 4% last week at 40 major airports. This reduction will increase to 6% on Tuesday and reach 10% by Friday. Additionally, private aircraft traffic was suspended at 12 airports experiencing staff shortages, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National.
Sector Reactions and Economic Consequences
Shares of major U.S. airlines—American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines—fell following the presidential announcement. American Airlines reported that more than 250,000 passengers were affected over the weekend. “This is simply unacceptable and everyone deserves better,” expressed David Seymour, the company’s Chief Operating Officer.
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Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, urged an end to the shutdown: “The government shutdown must end, and so must the disruption that is affecting our customers and the federal employees who are working without pay.”
Legal Doubts and Union Response
Officials indicated that it is unclear how the White House could withhold pay from controllers under the current union contract once the government reopens, nor how the bonuses promised by Trump would be funded.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, responded that workers “would appreciate any recognition” and assured that “controllers will continue to report for duty during this shutdown.”
For his part, Representative Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the House committee overseeing the FAA, criticized the president’s comments: “Controllers deserve our thanks and recognition, not unbalanced attacks on their patriotism.”
Previous Scenario and Urgent Measures
Even before the shutdown, the FAA was already facing a shortage of 3,500 controllers compared to its target levels. Many were working extended hours and six-day weeks. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that measures are being taken to retain those nearing retirement, accelerate hiring, and advance a $12.5 billion air traffic control system modernization.
The number of control centers with staff shortages reached 81 on Saturday, the highest peak since October 1, according to Duffy.
The crisis generated by the government shutdown has thrown the U.S. air transportation system into disarray, affecting both workers and millions of passengers. The measures announced by President Trump, although forceful, have generated legal uncertainty and mixed reactions within the sector. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for the bill that would allow the government to reopen and normalize air operations to be approved.
With information from Reuters
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