Aviation Gridlock: Shutdown Forces Air Traffic Controllers to Seek Second Jobs

The prolonged government shutdown has compelled hundreds of U.S. air traffic controllers to seek temporary second jobs, raising concerns about aviation safety due to missed paychecks, according to a union official.

Nick Daniels, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President, highlighted that the number of controllers turning to additional work is set to increase, as many struggle to meet financial obligations. He urged for an end to the crisis at a press conference, emphasizing that the FAA is already 3,500 controllers short of target levels.

Flight delays soared over the past two days, with substantial disruptions in the aviation sector. Amid the shutdown, over 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers are forced to work without pay, exacerbating frustrations and increasing pressure on lawmakers to address the impasse.