Trump threatens air traffic controllers over shutdown absences

November 11, 2025 / 10:19 AM

A man sleep on the ground of Terminal B at LaGuardia airport in the Queens borough of New York City

Sharjah24 - AFP: An additional 2,300 US flights were cancelled Monday as President Donald Trump threatened to dock pay for air traffic controllers who called in sick during the government shutdown.

After Trump ripped absent aviation workers as unpatriotic, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) labor union hailed members working without pay as "unsung heroes" in a statement that called for Congress to immediately end the shutdown.

Mounting pressure on the aviation industry

The back-and-forth highlights the mounting strain on the aviation industry as the record-breaking shutdown hit day 41, though a compromise bill advancing in Congress was raising hopes of a resolution this week.

Staffing shortages and increased passenger demand

The air traffic control system was already under strain prior to the shutdown due to understaffing, and is facing a surge in passengers with upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel.

Flight cancellations and delays across the US

Besides Monday's 2,300 cancellations, more than 8,700 flights involving US airports were delayed, according to website FlightAware. And carriers have already scrapped 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday, the flight tracker reported.

Federal flight reductions ordered

The Trump administration last week ordered 10 percent reductions in flights at dozens of airports, including some of the nation's busiest, due to "staffing triggers."

Trump threatens workers and promises bonuses

Trump took to social media on Monday to threaten that controllers who do not return to work "will be substantially 'docked.'"

"All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!" he demanded on his Truth Social platform.

Trump said he was recommending a bonus of $10,000 to the "GREAT PATRIOTS" who did not take time off during the shutdown.

Union calls for an end to the shutdown

His statement was posted just as the air traffic controller union was concluding a press conference, timed to the second consecutive zero-dollar paycheck for its members.