Air Traffic Controller Debate: Shutdown and DOGE Risks, Push for More Hiring

Aviation industry officials appeared before Congress on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to invest more in modernizing the air traffic control system and filling in a shortage of workers. 

“This is not sustainable,” said Representative Troy Nehls, the chair of the House’s aviation subcommittee. “That statement shouldn't come as a surprise to those in this room. In fact, many of the panelists before us today have been ringing the alarm bell for decades on the need for ATC modernization, increased hiring of controllers and stable funding streams for the FAA.” 

The persistent air traffic controller shortage and outdated technology has received more attention from Washington in recent weeks after a fatal collision near Reagan National Airport that killed all 67 people on board, the first commercial airline crash since 2009. 

Nick Daniels, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, expressed concern that a potential government shutdown could halt hiring and training efforts. 

“NATCA is deeply concerned that a government shutdown on March 14, 2025, could cause significant setbacks and harm our collective efforts to bolster the controller hiring and training pipeline,” he said in prepared remarks. 

President Donald Trump has said he wants an overhaul of the air traffic control system. Elon Musk, who has been tasked with efforts to slash government spending, asked retired air traffic controllers to come back to work last week. The Trump administration also fired hundreds of probationary workers in the FAA.

DOGE's Impact on the Industry

David Spero, the president of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, said at the hearing that the recent firings “demoralizes the workforce.”

“This demoralizes the entire workforce and distracts from the agency’s efforts to modernize and improve the aviation system — as well as taking away from the primary mission of the FAA to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the U.S. aviation system and ultimately, the safety of the American flying public,” Spero said at the hearing. 

Nick Calio, the president of Airlines for America, said in prepared remarks that the trade group recommended relying on Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency “and/or procurement experts from the private sector to revise procurement standards, policies, practices and procedures of the FAA to reduce any impediments to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services, or other sources, as required.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to significantly increase air traffic control hiring and increase the starting salaries of those who go through training at the FAA’s Academy by 30%.

Just weeks ago, industry trade groups and unions sent a letter to Congress, asking for emergency funding for air traffic control staffing and technology. 

House Democrats on the Transportation Committee raised concerns about Musk’s conflicts of interest with the federal government. The Washington Post previously reported that the FAA was considering canceling a $2.4 billion Verizon contract to modernize air traffic control communications systems in favor of Musk’s Starlink. 

Spero said the recent news has caused stress for federal workers in aviation safety. 

“The amount of constant stress and questions that are coming every week, and the accusations, and the negative comments about federal employees are causing folks to regularly now wonder if they're going to have a job tomorrow,” he said.