Air traffic controllers across the U.S. are continuing working without receiving full pay as the federal government shutdown enters its third week. The lack of pay for the notoriously high stress job has prompted growing concern over aviation safety and staffing levels.
On Monday night, the FAA issued a ground stop for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas due to staffing constraints, according to a Reuters report. The alert, which began shortly after 8 p.m. local time, temporarily halted departing flights and underscored the increasing strain on the nation’s air traffic control system as the shutdown continues.
Update: The ground delay has ended. Passengers are advised to monitor the FAA website for updates throughout the duration of the federal shutdown. https://t.co/szSYXsypPL
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 14, 2025
At airports in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, controllers stood outside terminals Tuesday morning, handing out flyers to travelers explaining the effects of the funding impasse.
“The job is stressful enough as it is. Now you’re adding this factor of, ‘Hey, when am I going to get this next paycheck?’” said Raymond Dahlstrom, an air traffic controller quoted by CNBC.
Air traffic controllers are handing out pamphlets at Reagan National Airport calling for an immediate end to the government shutdown. Today they received partial paychecks – the NATCA union says not paying them adds stress to an already high stress job keeping travelers safe. pic.twitter.com/fmXSsNqcq1
— Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news) October 14, 2025
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association confirmed that workers received only partial paychecks this week and could miss their next one entirely if Congress fails to pass a budget bill by Oct. 28. Controllers are expected to eventually receive back pay once the funding lapse ends.
Many controllers say the uncertainty the shutdown is causing is compounding an already high-stress profession.
“Air traffic control is inherently a stressful job,” controller Peter LeFevre told NBC’s Washington News4. “Not knowing exactly how I’m going to have child care for my kids or put gas in the car adds a certain level of stress onto an already stressful profession.”
Union officials have warned that while controllers continue to report for duty, prolonged financial strain could lead to burnout and operational risks. The FAA, meanwhile, continues to emphasize that essential personnel remain on the job to maintain the safety of U.S. airspace.
Why are people forced to work without pay?
Why does anyone expect people to work without pay?
Why are arrangements of government set up in 1787 still in place today?
The Legislative Branch is not functioning.
The Executive Branch is overstepping.
The Judicial Branch has become Political.
Time for a wholesale overhaul of jurisdictions.
The US system of government is broken!
Equally if not more stressful is mango Mussolini having his former Fox news commentator FAA chief threatening to fire air traffic controllers for calling out sick, in violation of their contracts.
But that’s the chump solution to everything. If ATC manning is and has been near critical levels, just sweep right in and for no good reason fire the people who are on the job.
This is a very visible reminder that there are a few million government workers who also are not getting paid. Often lives, welfare and safety are in their hands as well.
I suggest that congressmen and women give up their paychecks while they are off the job. Since the Republicans think they lead anything, they should be the first to go.Nothing hurts more then taking away someone’s livelihood.