Federal Aviation Administration awarding $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the government shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US regulator, announced that only 776 of over 10,000 air traffic controllers who worked unpaid during a recent government shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus. This decision stems from a strict "perfect attendance" requirement set by the FAA, significantly narrowing the pool of eligible recipients for the incentive initially suggested by President Donald Trump. The limited distribution highlights the challenges faced by the vast majority of controllers who endured financial strain during the prolonged shutdown.

Many air traffic controllers experienced severe financial pressure, leading some to take on side jobs or miss work due to inability to afford childcare or transportation. These absences directly impacted commercial aviation operations, forcing widespread flight delays across numerous US airports. The operational disruptions became so significant that the US government mandated flight reductions at 40 of the nation's busiest air travel hubs, underscoring the critical role controllers play in maintaining the flow of air traffic.

President Trump had publicly advocated for bonuses for those who remained on the job, while also suggesting pay deductions for those who missed work. However, the FAA has not publicly disclosed any plans to implement penalties for controllers who were absent during the shutdown. The agency's current focus remains on the bonus distribution, which has drawn attention to the complex interplay between government funding, essential public services, and the well-being of critical aviation personnel.