‘Enough is enough,’ air traffic controllers say as shutdown drags on and affects air travel

GREENSBORO, N.C. — As the federal government shutdown continues, the FAA is cutting hundreds of flights at major airports to keep the skies safe and relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay.

At Charlotte Douglas International Airport, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Anthony Schifano said the impact is growing for local workers.

“We’re experiencing workers who are taking additional jobs outside of their work because effective today was their second full pay period that had zero pay in it,” Schifano said.

He said many controllers are still showing up for mandatory 10-hour shifts, despite missing two full paychecks and receiving only partial pay when the shutdown first began. He described growing frustration inside the control tower.