Air traffic controllers were already some of the most stressed workers in the U.S. before having to work without pay, say experts from Center for Aviation Studies | Fortune

"Airports across the United States have been experiencing significant flight delays recently because of a shortage of air traffic controllers, who have been required to work without pay since a government shutdown began on Oct. 1, 2025. Reports suggest employees have been calling in sick in increased numbers. And since there was already a shortage of controllers before the shutdown, the impact has been severe, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled since the shutdown began."

"Air traffic controllers are deemed essential workers, meaning they are still required to work while not receiving compensation - which they would typically then receive in a lump sum after the shutdown ends. President Donald Trump created some uncertainty around this by suggesting workers may not get their back pay without explicit authorization from Congress, despite having signed a law in his first term that makes it a legal requirement."

Since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1, 2025, air traffic controllers have been required to work without pay. The lack of regular pay and uncertainty about back pay has created real financial stress for controllers. Many controllers have called in sick in increased numbers, exacerbating an existing staffing shortage that has already led to thousands of flights delayed or canceled. Controllers are deemed essential workers and must continue working, though President Donald Trump suggested workers might not receive back pay without explicit congressional authorization despite a law he signed in his first term that requires back pay. Similar sickouts occurred during the 2018–2019 shutdown when missed paychecks prompted secondary employment.

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