Air traffic controller 'sick-outs,' driven by chronic staffing shortages, overwork, and pay concerns, are causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across major U.S. airports, including instances of significant operational disruptions. This situation, exacerbated by potential government shutdowns and the prospect of unpaid work, highlights the aviation system's fragility, as warned by NATCA, and portends increasing operational risks and travel disruptions if current trends continue.
Why it matters: Controller and TSA "sick-outs" played an under-appreciated role in ending the 2018-19 shutdown, as lawmakers faced the prospect of a snarled air traffic network, furious airline executives and an irate flying public. Driving the news: Staffing-related delays have plagued airports in Chicago, Nashville, Denver and several other major cities this week. At least one notable airport — California's Hollywood Burbank — went "ATC zero" for several hours, with no controllers in the tower. During that time, controllers at a nearby facility helped work traffic, while pilots also used a dedicated radio frequency to sort out potential conflicts. That's standard practice at airports without control towers, or when towers are closed. By the numbers: As of Wednesday afternoon, FlightAware is reporting 50 cancellations and 2,514 delays involving flights within, leaving or arriving in the U.S. Nasty weather in the Northeast also contributed to delays Wednesday. The big picture: While many air traffic controllers are unionized under the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), it's illegal for them to strike. "Sick-outs" are an increasingly popular alternative collective action, though some controllers worry about being penalized or making life more stressful for colleagues who do show up. Controller shortages, overwork and pay were major issues even before the shutdown, all coming to the fore in the hunt for answers after January's deadly midair collision near Washington's DCA. What they're saying: "Our collective bargaining agreement mandates that we not report to work if fatigued. It's unsafe for us to do so," one air traffic controller who wished to remain anonymous for fear of employer retribution tells Axios. "I imagine many controllers are stressed to the max prior to a shutdown, and this piles it on. It's not unreasonable to make the leap that we are unsafe to work because of stress which contributes to lack of sleep and/or physical illness." Another controller who wished to remain anonymous for the same reason shared empathy for entry-level colleagues suddenly left without pay as they're just starting out. "My chief concern are the Academy grads spending 50% of their income on a one bedroom apartment suddenly unable to pay bills," the controller tells Axios. "I've already considered loaning money to my trainee just to avoid that should this go on." "If it gets to the point where I'm paying the next generation's bills just to keep the FAA solvent staffing-wise, they sure as hell won't be seeing me coming in whenever they please." "It is normal for a few air traffic controllers to call in sick on any given day, and this is the latest example of how fragile our aviation system is in the midst of a national shortage of these critical safety professionals," NATCA said in a comment. "NATCA has consistently warned that the controller staffing shortage leaves the system vulnerable, and today's events underscore the urgent need to accelerate training and hiring." The other side: When asked for comment, the Department of Transportation referred Axios recentmediaappearances in which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for the shutdown and any resulting pain to air-traffic workers. Between the lines: In one TV appearance — Tuesday on CNBC — Duffy claimed that air traffic controllers make a starting salary of $180,000. That number isn't backed up by the FAA's own pay tables, which have Academy graduates starting in the $50,000-60,000 range, depending on location. "Within three years of graduating the Academy, the average certified professional controller earns over $160,000 per year," a DOT spokesperson told Axios when asked for clarification. What's next: ATC staffing shortages — and thus delays — may get more frequent as the shutdown drags on and controllers start getting their first zero-dollar paychecks later this month. "As time goes on, the sentiment for how much people will feel justified to call out sick will grow," one of the controllers says. The U.S. aviation sector is facing significant operational challenges driven by widespread air traffic controller "sick-outs," stemming from chronic staffing shortages, overwork, and pay concerns. This has led to substantial flight disruptions, with FlightAware reporting 50 cancellations and 2,514 delays across U.S. flights this week, impacting major hubs and even causing "ATC zero" events at airports like Hollywood Burbank. These incidents underscore the immediate and tangible impact on air travel efficiency and reliability. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has consistently warned about the system's vulnerability due to staffing deficits, a concern exacerbated by potential government shutdowns that could lead to unpaid work for controllers. This situation fosters increased "sick-outs" as a form of collective action, despite the illegality of strikes, revealing a critical fragility within the national air traffic control infrastructure. The discrepancy in reported controller salaries, with entry-level figures significantly lower than the $160,000 average for certified professionals, likely contributes to morale and retention issues. The outlook is pessimistic, with an overall sentiment score of -0.85 and a market impact score of 0.7, indicating significant potential for sustained disruption. As a government shutdown potentially prolongs, the frequency of ATC staffing shortages and associated flight delays is projected to increase, with controller sentiment for sick-outs expected to grow. This suggests ongoing operational headwinds for the travel, logistics, and broader transportation sectors.
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