Transportation dept announces plan to fix air traffic controller shortage

While most sectors of the federal government are being trimmed down to align with President Donald Trump’s agenda, one group of employees is actually being paid to delay their retirement.

Air traffic controllers have one of the most important jobs Americans likely don’t think about unless they are flying. What most people may not know is that this particular workforce, like many others, is facing an employee shortage. This could have disastrous impacts on the safety and convenience of aviation in the United States if it is not addressed quickly and carefully.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently gave an interview to CBS News where he laid out a plan to keep experienced air traffic controllers on board while the industry brings in new employees to train.

“I think what is key, we have offered a bonus to air traffic controllers who are eligible to retire. We are going to pay them a 20% bonus on their salary to stay longer. Don’t retire,” he explained. “So as we bring more air traffic controllers in, and keep the older, experienced controllers, we’re going to be able to make up that difference.”

We’re supercharging air traffic controller hiring AND offering an incentive for older controllers to stay and help end the ATC shortage for good. No more passing the buck! pic.twitter.com/z76t6dvFMi

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) May 25, 2025

Unfortunately, there is no overnight solution for this issue, and Duffy believes it will take months or even years to stabilize the workforce quantity.

“Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was installing more Tower Simulation Systems across the nation so it could certify air traffic controllers faster while reducing costs. These systems allow controllers to train for complex airport configurations, develop scenarios that address safety trends, practice runway crossing coordination, and rehearse phraseology, according to the FAA,” a Fox News report read.

Duffy is planning to expand and accelerate the hiring of air traffic controllers, such as increasing opportunities for veteran military controllers, adding more facilities, and offering financial incentives for recent graduates who have achieved training goals.

“It is also expanding the number of instructors and establishing a Learning Center at the Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. Duffy also streamlined hiring by changing the old eight-step hiring process at the FAA to a five-step process,” the Fox article adds.

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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