WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that air traffic controllers return to work as travelers endured another day of flight cancellations caused by staff shortages during the ongoing government shutdown.
Trump Issues Ultimatum to Controllers
The U.S. aviation system has faced major disruptions in recent days as controller absences have surged. Many controllers, working without pay, have been forced to take second jobs or stay home due to child care costs.
An airline trade group reported that 1.2 million passengers experienced delayed or canceled flights over the weekend because of air traffic issues.
Trump threatened to dock pay from any controller who fails to return to work and promised $10,000 bonuses for those who have worked continuously during the 41-day shutdown.
“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.”
However, officials said it remains unclear how the administration could legally withhold pay or fund the bonus payments once the government reopens.
“I don’t know — I’ll get it from someplace,” Trump told Fox News on Monday night.
Staffing Shortages Across Major Airports
Even before the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was short by about 3,500 controllers, forcing many to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.
The FAA reported staffing problems at nearly two dozen air traffic facilities nationwide as of Monday. The agency also imposed ground delay or ground stop programs at major hubs including:
- New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark)
- Chicago O’Hare
- Houston
- Phoenix
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Miami and Orlando (Florida)
According to FlightAware, airlines canceled more than 2,380 U.S. flights and delayed 8,900 on Monday alone.
On Sunday, there were 2,950 cancellations and nearly 11,200 delays — marking the worst day for flight disruptions since the shutdown began on October 1.
Airline stocks, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, fell sharply following Trump’s social media post.
Shutdown’s Impact and Potential End
Senate leaders reached a tentative compromise bill late Monday that could end the shutdown later this week. However, it remains unclear when Congress will finalize the measure — or when flight operations will fully stabilize ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
The FAA’s current plan instructs airlines to cut 4% of daily flights, increasing to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by Friday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the number of control centers facing shortages rose to 81 over the weekend — the highest since the shutdown began.
Duffy has pledged to retain veteran controllers, accelerate hiring, and invest $12.5 billion to modernize air traffic control systems.
Reaction from the Industry and Lawmakers
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said controllers would continue to report for duty despite the mounting strain.
“We’ll work with the administration. Air traffic controllers will continue to show up during this shutdown,” Daniels said.
Representative Rick Larsen, the top Democrat overseeing FAA matters in the House, condemned Trump’s remarks.
“Controllers deserve our thanks and appreciation — not unhinged attacks on their patriotism,” Larsen said.
Airline leaders also urged swift action to end the crisis.
“The government shutdown must end, and so must the disruption caused to our customers and federal employees,” said Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines.
American Airlines Chief Operating Officer David Seymour said over 250,000 passengers were affected over the weekend.
“This is simply unacceptable — everyone deserves better,” Seymour said.
FAA Expands Flight Restrictions
On Sunday, the FAA also suspended private-plane operations at 12 airports facing severe staff shortages, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National.
While officials express optimism about resolving the shutdown soon, airlines warn that flight disruptions are likely to worsen before they improve.
