‘Everyday’ air traffic controllers face ‘a new set of challenges’: NATCA Pres.

Air Traffic Control Crisis - FAA to cut flights by 10% at the nation's 40 busiest airports due to air traffic controllers fatigue and sick calls [1] - Air traffic controllers are stressed and fatigued due to the government shutdown and uncertainty about pay [2] - The shutdown is expected to delay controllers receiving owed pay for months, even after it ends [3] - Reducing airspace capacity is necessary to manage increased risk in the aviation system [5] Safety and Workforce Concerns - It is absolutely safe to fly [6] - The current situation is discouraging potential air traffic controllers from pursuing the profession [9] - There is a shortage of 3,800 air traffic controllers, with 10,800 certified controllers operating a system designed for 14,633 [10] - Air traffic controllers are resigning due to the shutdown, exacerbating the existing shortage [11]