More than 2,300 U.S. flights were canceled on Monday as President Donald Trump warned that air traffic controllers who called in sick during the ongoing government shutdown could face pay cuts.
After Trump criticized the absent controllers as “unpatriotic,” the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) praised its members who have continued to work without pay, describing them as “unsung heroes” and urging Congress to end the shutdown immediately.
“Enough is enough,” the union declared in its statement.
The dispute underscores the growing strain on the aviation sector as the record-breaking shutdown entered its 41st day, though a new funding bill moving through Congress offered hope for a breakthrough this week.
Already struggling with staff shortages, the air traffic control system is now under even greater pressure as Thanksgiving travel approaches.
According to FlightAware, in addition to Monday’s 2,300 cancellations, more than 8,700 flights involving U.S. airports were delayed, and another 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday have already been canceled.
The administration recently ordered a 10 percent reduction in flights at dozens of airports — including major hubs — citing “staffing triggers.”
Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Monday, insisting that controllers “must get back to work NOW!!!” and warning that those who fail to do so “will be substantially docked.”
At the same time, he announced plans to reward “GREAT PATRIOTS” who stayed on the job with a $10,000 bonus. His post came just as NATCA held a press conference marking the second consecutive zero-dollar paycheck for its members.
“Air traffic controllers should not be political pawns during a government shutdown,” said NATCA President Daniels, who has voiced increasing concern since federal funding lapsed on October 1.
In a later statement responding to Trump’s comments, the union said controllers “deserve our praise.”
“These highly trained professionals have been working without pay for over 40 days, performing one of the most demanding jobs in the world,” NATCA said. “Many are working six-day weeks and ten-hour days despite receiving nothing.”
Democratic Representative Rick Larsen called Trump’s remarks “nuts,” adding, “The men and women in control towers keeping our skies safe deserve gratitude, not attacks on their patriotism.”
During a later interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated his promise of bonuses but admitted he did not yet know where the funds would come from. “I’ll get it from someplace,” he said. “It doesn’t matter.”
Meanwhile, the Senate made progress toward resolving the shutdown, with enough Democrats joining Republicans to pass a short-term funding bill extending through January.
However, Daniels warned that, based on the 2019 shutdown, it could take months for workers to receive back pay once the government reopens.
At the press event, Virginia-based air traffic controller Amy Lark described how the crisis has impacted her family — both she and her husband work for the agency and have gone without paychecks.
“Yesterday, my kids asked how long we could stay in our house. Having to answer that question was heartbreaking,” she said.
Travelers are also feeling the effects. At Miami International Airport, passenger Jack Nicks described the chaos: “It’s a little crazy this morning. I checked several times to make sure my flight was still on. Some of my friends have already had three flight changes — it’s been rough.”
