Trump threatens to dock pay as 2,300 more U.S flights cancelled amid prolonged shutdown

Trump threatens to dock pay as 2,300 more U.S flights cancelled amid prolonged shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The crisis gripping the United States aviation industry deepened on Monday as more than 2,300 flights were cancelled and over 8,700 delayed, with President Donald Trump threatening to dock pay for air traffic controllers calling in sick during the ongoing government shutdown.

The shutdown entered its 41st day, marking the longest in U.S. history, as Trump escalated tensions with aviation workers, accusing those absent from duty of being “unpatriotic.”

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, while promising a $10,000 bonus to those who continued working without pay.

The remarks drew swift condemnation from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), which described controllers as “unsung heroes” keeping the skies safe despite receiving zero-dollar paychecks for six weeks.

“Enough is enough,” the union said in a statement, urging Congress to end the shutdown immediately.

NATCA President Nick Daniels said the situation had become untenable, warning that “air traffic controllers should not be the political pawn during a government shutdown.”

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The shutdown has already forced the Trump administration to implement 10% reductions in flights at dozens of airports, including major hubs, due to staff shortages. The disruptions are expected to worsen with the Thanksgiving travel rush approaching.

Air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone without pay for 40 days, are reportedly working six-day weeks and 10-hour shifts, with some taking second jobs to survive.

“Yesterday, my kids asked me how long we could stay in our house,” said Amy Lark, a controller from Virginia whose husband also works for the Federal Aviation Administration. “Having to answer that question was heartbreaking.”

Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen described Trump’s remarks as “nuts,” saying:

“The women and men working long hours in air traffic control towers deserve our thanks and appreciation, not unhinged attacks on their patriotism.”

Despite growing outrage, hopes of a resolution rose slightly after the U.S. Senate advanced a bipartisan bill to fund the government through January. However, Daniels cautioned that even after the shutdown ends, it could take months for all staff to receive back pay, as happened following the 2019 closure.

When asked by Fox News how his proposed bonuses would be funded, Trump admitted uncertainty:

“I don’t know. I’ll get it from someplace… I always get the money from someplace.”

The ongoing shutdown continues to strain both workers and travelers, with thousands facing cancellations, long delays, and uncertainty as America’s aviation system struggles to stay aloft under mounting pressure.

Trump threatens to dock pay as 2,300 more U.S flights cancelled amid prolonged shutdown

AFP