On Tuesday, Oct. 28, U.S. air traffic controllers found themselves missing a crucial paycheck as the federal government shutdown showed no signs of ending. These frontline professionals, responsible for guiding thousands of flights daily, joined a growing list of federal employees demanding lawmakers break the stalemate.
With Congress deeply divided over budget priorities, controllers say the unpaid work is unsustainable. “Our mission is clear: keep the skies safe,” one controller told colleagues, asking to remain anonymous. “But how can we focus when we’re worried about bills this week?”
Officials warn the shutdown’s ripple effects threaten a sector already stretched thin. Years of understaffing have left control towers and radar centers operating with limited backups, pushing veteran controllers to fill gaps at airports across the country.
Experts caution that prolonged shutdowns could lead to delays, increased stress on air traffic staff and, ultimately, impact the global flow of travelers and goods. As millions of passengers rely on U.S. airspace, the clock is ticking for a political solution.
Controllers and aviation groups urge both parties in Congress to reach an agreement, underscoring that when the government pauses, the safety net for the nation’s busiest skies cannot afford a timeout.
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U.S. air traffic controllers go unpaid amid government shutdown
cgtn.com
