air traffic controllers Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

An American Eagle jet flies past the air traffic control tower at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on, Nov. 8, 2025. As essential employees, controllers were required to work during the government shutdown without pay. When the last shutdown ended in 2019, it took some years to get all the money they were owed.

NPR

Air traffic controllers promised fast shutdown pay, but they’ve been told that before

by Joel Rose November 13, 2025November 13, 2025

The Transportation Secretary says air traffic controllers will be paid promptly as the government reopens. But after the last shutdown, in 2019, some controllers sued to get paid in full for overtime.

Airplanes are parked at gates near the air traffic control tower at the Tampa International Airport Tuesday in Florida. Airports across the U.S. have experienced delays and flight cancellations as airlines decrease flights at dozens of major airports to ease the pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working unpaid during the ongoing government shutdown.

NPR

Why flight disruptions could linger even after the government shutdown ends

by Joel Rose November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Airlines and aviation regulators warned that flight disruptions are likely to continue even after the government reopens. Thousands of flights have been cancelled as air traffic restrictions ramp up.

As the U.S. government shutdown enters a record 36th day, air traffic controllers, who are required to work without pay, are feeling the squeeze.

NPR

Air traffic controllers warn of ‘tipping point’ as U.S. government shutdown drags on

by Joel Rose November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

The government shutdown is taking a growing toll on air traffic controllers who are working without pay. Staffing shortages led to big delays over the weekend, raising concerns about travel chaos.

An air traffic control tower is seen Wednesday following the government shutdown at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. The U.S. government has shut down after Congress failed to pass short-term funding. Nearly seven years ago, air traffic controllers may have helped play ending the last government shutdown.

NPR

Air traffic controllers helped end the last government shutdown, and may again

by Joel Rose October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

A shortage of air traffic controllers may have played a role in ending the last government shutdown in 2019. U.S airlines are once again bracing for possible delays in commercial aviation.

United Airline planes are seen at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7.

NPR

A runway under construction at Newark’s beleaguered airport reopens early

by Joe Hernandez June 2, 2025June 2, 2025

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised airport officials, unions and workers for completing the estimated 60-day project 13 days early. The Newark airport has been hobbled by delays.