Trump Threatens to Dock Pay for Air Traffic Controllers Amid Record U.S. Shutdown

An additional 2,300 U.S. flights were canceled on Monday as President Donald Trump threatened to dock pay for air traffic controllers who called in sick during the ongoing government shutdown

Trump criticized absent aviation workers as unpatriotic, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) praised members working without pay as “unsung heroes,” urging Congress to end the shutdown immediately.

“Enough is enough,” the union stated

The escalating tension highlights mounting strain on the aviation industry as the record-breaking shutdown entered its 41st day, even as a compromise bill in Congress offered hope for resolution this week

Air traffic control was already under pressure due to understaffing and the approaching Thanksgiving holiday travel surge. On Monday, besides 2,300 cancellations, more than 8,700 U.S. flights were delayed, and an additional 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday were already canceled, according to FlightAware

Last week, the Trump administration ordered 10% flight reductions at dozens of airports due to “staffing triggers.” On Monday, Trump warned via Truth Social that controllers who did not return to work “will be substantially ‘docked,’” while offering a $10,000 bonus to those who stayed on the job

Union president Nick Daniels welcomed the emerging congressional deal but emphasized, “Air traffic controllers should not be the political pawn during a government shutdown.” NATCA’s statement underscored the dedication of controllers working six-day weeks without pay

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Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen condemned Trump’s remarks as “nuts,” praising the controllers for their critical work. Trump later admitted during a Fox News interview uncertainty over the source of the bonus funds but insisted it would be provided regardless

Although prospects for ending the longest U.S. shutdown looked brighter with bipartisan support in the Senate, uncertainty remains about future funding beyond January 30. For families like air traffic controller Amy Lark’s, the shutdown has caused real financial strain

Travelers are also feeling the impact. Jack Nicks, flying from Miami, described the disruption as “a little crazy,” with multiple flight changes affecting friends and family

The shutdown’s ripple effects continue across the aviation sector, leaving both workers and passengers grappling with uncertainty

Writer : Mweru Mbugua