Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said 776 controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the 43‑day shutdown will receive $10,000, with notifications next week and payments by Dec. 9.
- Unions said most who worked without pay are excluded; NATCA reported 311 of its members qualify, while the PASS union said 423 technicians will receive payments and is reviewing how others might be recognized.
- Roughly 11,000–13,000 controllers worked through the shutdown without pay, a far larger group than the recipients of the bonuses, according to union and FAA estimates.
- The shutdown prompted temporary FAA flight caps at about 40 major airports that have since been lifted, yet long‑standing staffing shortages remain a central concern for the system.
- DHS previously announced similar $10,000 awards for select TSA officers, as industry groups and lawmakers pursue proposals to ensure critical aviation personnel are paid during any future funding lapse.