Periods when air traffic controllers experience delayed or missed paychecks can increase controller absences and exacerbate existing nationwide staffing shortages in the U.S. air traffic control workforce.
November 14, 2025
high
trend
Financial stress on controllers can lead to higher absenteeism and worsen preexisting workforce shortages.
As of 2025, U.S. air traffic control staffing shortages have been exacerbated by insufficient hiring, lengthy training timelines, and high trainee dropout rates.
October 07, 2025
high
structural
Longstanding workforce vulnerabilities in the U.S. air traffic control system.
The U.S. air traffic control workforce has a reported staffing shortfall of approximately 2,000 positions.
medium
statistical
Workforce shortage figure cited in reporting about staffing and hiring challenges for air traffic controllers.