Thousands of air traffic controllers left out of Trump's shutdown bonus checks
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President Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One on Oct. 27, 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
About 7% of all air traffic controllers who continued working during the country's longest-ever government shutdown will receive President Trump's $10,000 "perfect attendance" bonus.
The big picture: The National Air Traffic Controllers Association expressed gratitude for those being rewarded, but the union told Axios it's "concerned that thousands" of workers "who consistently reported for duty" during the shutdown while working without pay "were excluded from this recognition."
By the numbers: 776 out of some 11,000 air traffic controllers and technicians "will receive a $10,000 award for their patriotic work to ensure the safety of the skies" during the 44-day government shutdown, per an emailed statement from the FAA Thursday evening.
State of play: Many controllers were already under strain before the shutdown and had little choice but to call out sick to take on side jobs, manage caregiving needs or address other financial pressures as the stalemate dragged on.
- The FAA cut thousands of flights at 40 airports nationwide due to the shortage of critical air travel staff.
- Trump blasted the controllers who weren't showing up on a daily basis, writing "I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU," on Truth Social.
What they're saying: "These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
- "This award is an acknowledgement of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation."
What we're watching: Those with perfect attendance will receive their compensation no later than Dec. 9, per the FAA.
- NATCA noted in its emailed statement Thursday evening that the union and Duffy had "worked well together to address the negative effects on our bargaining units throughout the entirety" of the shutdown.
- "We look forward to working with the Administration to provide the appropriate recognition to those not covered by the Secretary's announcement," it added.
- Representatives for the FAA did not immediately respond to Axios' Thursday evening request for comment on the union's comments.
Go deeper: Trump threatens to cut air traffic controllers' pay
