Controllers Miss Paychecks on Day 28 of Shutdown

On Day 28 of the federal government shutdown, U.S. air traffic controllers and other aviation safety workers missed their first full paychecks and continue to work unpaid; TSA officers missed theirs earlier in the week. Federal figures attributed 44% of flight delays to air-traffic-control staffing on Sunday and 24% on Monday, and airports from Philadelphia to Austin have reported measurable impacts. Staffing and training disruptions have accelerated as academy stipends run out, some trainees drop out, and FAA modernization and recruiting efforts slow. Financial pressure is pushing hundreds of controllers to take temporary second jobs or gig work, prompting leafletting, higher sick calls and mandatory overtime that union leaders warn could degrade focus and safety. Airlines including United, Delta and JetBlue have provided limited meal support, and government and industry officials are urging a swift end to the shutdown to avoid longer-term harm to aviation safety and holiday travel.