U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against air traffic controllers who have called in sick during the ongoing government shutdown, which has now reached 41 days. Following the cancellation of an additional 2,300 flights on Monday, Trump threatened to dock pay for controllers who do not return to work, labeling their absence as unpatriotic.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) defended its members, describing those who continue to work without pay as “unsung heroes” and called for an immediate end to the shutdown. “Enough is enough,” the union stated, highlighting the strain on the aviation industry as it copes with increasing passenger volumes heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.
FlightAware reported over 8,700 delays on Monday alone, with airlines already canceling 1,100 flights for Tuesday. The situation is compounded by staffing shortages that have afflicted the air traffic control system even before the shutdown began.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged air traffic controllers to return to work immediately, threatening significant pay reductions for those who do not comply. He also proposed a bonus of $10,000 for the “GREAT PATRIOTS” who continued to work through the shutdown.
Union president Nick Daniels criticized the politicization of air traffic controllers during the shutdown, emphasizing that they should not be used as pawns. He remarked on the alarming reality that these skilled professionals have been unpaid for over 40 days, often working long hours under immense pressure.
Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen condemned Trump’s comments as lacking empathy and showing disregard for the hardworking controllers. He stated, “The women and men working long hours in air traffic control towers to keep the aviation system running deserve our thanks and appreciation, not unhinged attacks on their patriotism.”
During a phone interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated his stance on bonuses but admitted uncertainty about the funding sources. “I don’t know. I’ll get it from someplace… I always get the money from someplace,” he said, further complicating the situation for workers already on edge about their financial stability.
Prospects for resolving the shutdown appeared to brighten on Monday as a bipartisan bill advancing in Congress gained momentum. However, Daniels noted the challenges ahead, recalling that a previous lengthy shutdown in 2019 took two and a half months before air traffic controllers received back pay.
