Flight disruptions continue to spiral across the United States, with more than 2,300 cancellations reported on Monday, as former President Donald Trump intensified tensions by threatening to dock the pay of air traffic controllers calling in sick during the prolonged government shutdown.
Trump labeled the absent controllers “unpatriotic,” prompting swift backlash from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
The union praised its members—many of whom have been working over 40 days without pay—as “unsung heroes” and urged Congress to bring the record-breaking shutdown to an immediate end.
“Enough is enough,” NATCA declared, warning of mounting pressure on an aviation system already stretched thin as the shutdown reached day 41. A compromise bill in Congress nonetheless offered a glimmer of hope for a resolution.
The aviation system, grappling with chronic understaffing long before the funding lapse, is now buckling under the added strain of holiday travel. In addition to Monday’s cancellations, more than 8,700 flights were delayed, and airlines have preemptively canceled 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday, according to FlightAware.
Just last week, federal officials ordered 10% cuts to flights across several major airports due to “staffing triggers,” amplifying frustration among travelers and workers alike.
On Monday, Trump escalated his criticism on Truth Social, warning controllers who stay off the job that they would be “substantially ‘docked.’”
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” he demanded.
He also vowed to push for a $10,000 bonus for those who continued working through the shutdown—though he later admitted on Fox News that he had no clear plan for funding the payout. “I’ll get it from someplace… I always get the money from someplace,” he said dismissively.
The remarks came as NATCA concluded a press conference marking the second straight zero-dollar paycheck for its members. Union president Nick Daniels described the tentative deal in Congress as “a right step in the right direction,” but condemned the politicization of air traffic controllers.
In an additional statement responding directly to Trump’s accusations, NATCA insisted that controllers “deserve our praise.”
“These dedicated professionals continue performing one of the most stressful, high-stakes jobs in the world—without compensation,” the union said. “Many are enduring six-day workweeks and ten-hour shifts to keep the skies safe.”
Democratic congressman Rick Larsen lambasted Trump’s comments as “nuts,” saying the men and women safeguarding the nation’s aviation system deserve gratitude—not “unhinged attacks on their patriotism.”
The shutdown’s personal toll has become increasingly visible. Amy Lark, an air traffic controller from Virginia, spoke emotionally about her family’s financial strain—both she and her husband work for the agency and have gone weeks without pay.
“Yesterday, my kids asked how long we could stay in our house,” she said. “Having to answer that was heartbreaking.”
Travelers across the country are also feeling the effects. “It’s a little crazy this morning,” said Jack Nicks at Miami International Airport, noting that his friends had already endured multiple flight changes. “It’s a little rough.”
With lawmakers pushing a temporary funding bill expected to cover government operations through January, uncertainty still looms.
Daniels reminded reporters that after the lengthy 2019 shutdown, it took more than two months for controllers to receive back pay.
“And with another deadline approaching, January 30 is already looming,” he warned.
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