Air Traffic Controller Bonus to Remain on the Job

In the hopes of keeping as many air traffic controllers as possible until new employees can be trained and hired, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is offering an additional 20% salary bonus for current staff to remain on the job and delay their retirement.

Duffy said in an interview, “I think what is key, we have offered a bonus to air traffic controllers who are eligible to retire. We are going to pay them 20% bonus on their salary to stay longer. Don’t retire.” Duffy also posted on X, “We’re supercharging air traffic controller hiring AND offering an incentive for older controllers to stay and help end the ATC shortage for good. No more passing the buck!” 

Duffy also noted that this could take months, possibly years to resolve this shortage.

By - FZ