Trump orders air traffic controllers back as U.S. flights disrupted

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered air traffic controllers back to work amid record flight cancellations and delays during the 41-day federal government shutdown, warning penalties for absences and promising rewards for those who stayed on duty.

President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that air traffic controllers return to work immediately as flight cancellations and staffing shortages continue to disrupt U.S. air travel during the record 41-day federal government shutdown.

Trump also promised rewards for controllers who remained on duty throughout the shutdown, though it is unclear how many would qualify for the proposed $10,000 bonus. He added that he would accept resignations from those who took leave. “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote on social media. “REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY.”

The president’s message sent shares of major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, lower.

Flight Disruptions Worsen

The shutdown has left air traffic controller staffing at critically low levels, as many federal employees remain unpaid. FAA Chief Bryan Bedford reported last week that 20–40% of controllers were absent on any given day at the nation’s 30 busiest airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said staffing issues peaked over the weekend, with Saturday being the worst single day since the shutdown began.

On Monday, airlines canceled 1,700 U.S. flights, with delays also mounting. FlightAware reported that by 11:30 a.m. ET, 3,480 flights were delayed after 2,950 were canceled on Sunday, marking the worst disruption since the shutdown started on October 1. A November winter storm in Chicago further aggravated travel delays.

Controller Shortages and FAA Measures

The FAA is operating roughly 3,500 controllers below target staffing levels. Many had already been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks before the shutdown. Duffy has introduced incentives to retain retirement-eligible controllers and launched a $12.5 billion plan to modernize U.S. air traffic control.

The FAA also suspended general aviation traffic at 12 airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National, due to staffing shortages. Airlines have been instructed to cut daily flights by 4% at 40 major airports, with reductions rising to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by November 14. Duffy emphasized that flight cuts will remain until air traffic control staffing and safety data improve.

Union Response

National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels said the union would continue working with the administration and that controllers will keep showing up during the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate moved forward late Sunday on legislation to end the shutdown, though final approval from the House and President Trump is still required.

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