In yet another fiery post, US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to all air traffic controllers (ATCs) to either resume work or risk getting “docked”. He has also offered a bonus of $10,000 to all “patriots” who didn’t skip a single day of work amid the ongoing 41-day government shutdown.
“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the USA against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.
Why has Trump given an ultimatum to ATCs?
The FAA had reported a severe shortage of about 3,500 ATCs even before the shutdown kicked in on October 1. The situation worsened after the impasse began as many ATCs began calling in sick or pulled a no-show as their pay was curtailed amid overtime and six-day work weeks.
Trump on TruthSocial said such actions had left a “negative mark” on his mind, adding that those who wish to leave the service now or in the near future wouldn’t be paid any severance.
Flights impacted
Nearly 3,000 flights across the US were cancelled on Sunday for the first time, and over 10,000 flights were delayed amid shortage of staff, triggering a warning by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who in a recent CNN interview said air traffic in the country could soon “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continued.
Flight cancellations reduced to about 1,780 on Monday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware’s data. The situation, however, is expected to worsen in the coming days, New York Post reported.
The FAA has ordered to reduce domestic flight operations by 10% by November 14 at the country’s 40 busiest airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, ABC news had reported.
The directive is to remain in effect from 6 am to 10 pm local time and impact all commercial airlines.
Additionally, the FAA has barred business jets and many private flights from using a dozen airports.
Passengers pay the price
Flyers across the US have expressed anguish over the state of affairs, having to opt for costlier travel alternatives.
“Politicians on both sides are holding federal employees and citizens hostage,” a flyer, identified as Tom D’Alessandro, told WUSA9.
Another traveller from New Jersey, Diana Alvear, claimed that she had lost almost $700 (over ₹62,000) on a pre-paid AirBnb booking after her flight was cancelled by United Airlines.
“This has been costly to us, and it’s a huge disappointment for us and our family,” she told Associated Press.
Uncertainty over end of government shutdown
The US Senate has approved a bipartisan Bill by a 60-40 vote to end the longest government shutdown in history, paving the way for federal operations to resume in full swing and keep the government funded till January 30, 2026.
US Congress leaders are expected to debate the measure within the coming days, but the exact timeline for a vote has not yet been set.
Once approved by the Congress, the bill will be signed into law by President Trump.