The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive a $10,000 award for maintaining airspace safety during the recent 44-day government shutdown. The recognition follows a directive from President Donald Trump to honor air traffic personnel who continued reporting for duty throughout the shutdown.
“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the NAS running safely during the longest government shutdown,” said Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Their dedication represents the highest levels of public service.”
According to DOT, the $10,000 award will go to air traffic personnel who maintained perfect attendance during the shutdown period. Eligible employees will receive automated notifications during the week of November 24, and payments are expected to be disbursed no later than December 9.
The original announcement can be found here.