Government Shutdown Highlights Nation’s Air Traffic Control System Issues Again

Government shutdown highlights nation’s air traffic control system issues again

The problems with the nation’s air traffic control system have been spotlighted during the government shutdown, with controllers working without pay for almost a month and a half and hundreds calling in sick, resulting in thousands of flight delays or cancellations. However, one program that is training new controllers has managed to continue operating after the Federal Aviation Administration found some additional funding. Related stori…

Hundreds of flights are cancelled as air traffic controllers work without pay

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled for safety during the shutdown as air traffic controllers continue to work without pay.

Why Is The Air Traffic Control System Still Part Of The Government?

The government shutdown has underscored why the Air Traffic Control system shouldn't be part of the government.

Air traffic controllers union warns about impact of shutdown

As delays and cancellations continue to color the departures boards at the DMV’s three major airports, air traffic controllers now have had two paychecks delivered worth $0. The loss of pay led to a message from the head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) about the mental state of its members. “Now they must focus on child care instead of traffic flows, food for their families instead of runway separation,” said Nick Dan…

Shutdown aftermath: Air traffic control system faces long recovery time, warns union head

Even if the federal government reopens soon, the country’s air traffic control system will take time to return to normal.