Could The Military Step In To Staff ATC Towers?

Simple Flying
Vyte Klisauskaite
10 November 2025

US airspace has faced a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers for years. However, the ongoing government shutdown has made the problem even more severe, with fewer controllers available to manage already congested skies. The shutdown has intensified the shortage by accelerating retirements, halting new training programs, and forcing many air traffic controllers to work without pay.

In response, the US Federal Aviation Administration reduced airspace capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the country’s busiest airports from November 7, 2025. Amid ongoing staffing shortages and limited flight operations, the FAA reportedly is considering deploying military personnel to help maintain flight operations, especially as the busy holiday travel season approaches.

On November 9, 2025, Reuters reporter David Shepardson posted on X that US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had texted him, offering military air traffic controllers to assist the FAA. However, it remains unclear in what capacity the FAA could actually deploy military air traffic controllers.

Could The Military Step In To Staff ATC Towers? - Simple Flying - 10 Nov 2025