ATC
Amid ATC Delays, NATCA Urges Against ‘Sickouts’
Several towers have reportedly encountered staffing issues since government shutdown
Controller at Washington Dulles International Airport (Photo: Bill Carey)
Air traffic controllers are expected to work without pay during a government shutdown.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), stressing that it does not condone federal employees participating in a coordinated activity that could harm capacity in the National Airspace System, has urged members to “avoid any actions that could reflect poorly on you, our union or our professions.”

The statement comes amid reports of temporary tower closure and delays that occurred at multiple U.S. airports—including those in Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, and Burbank—due to staffing issues caused by sick callouts. Air traffic controllers are among those exempt from furlough during the government shutdown, but are expected to work without pay. In 2019, controller “sickouts” were partially credited to the ending of a 35-day shutdown.

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