Only 776 out of more than 10,000 air traffic controllers who worked without pay during the recent government shutdown will receive the $10,000 bonuses proposed by President Donald Trump. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that only those with perfect attendance during the shutdown will qualify for the bonuses.

As the shutdown extended beyond a month, many controllers began calling in sick due to financial strain. Some sought side jobs, while others struggled to afford childcare or transportation costs. Their absences contributed to delays at airports nationwide and prompted the government to reduce flights at 40 busy airports.

Trump suggested the bonuses in a social media post, but he also indicated that controllers who missed work should have their pay reduced. However, FAA officials have not disclosed any plans to penalize those who were absent.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the bonuses recognize the commitment of controllers who maintained perfect attendance during the 43-day shutdown. "These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown," Duffy said.

Before the shutdown, the FAA was already facing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Duffy has been working to increase hiring and streamline the lengthy training process to address this shortage over the coming years. He noted that some students and controllers left their positions, while more experienced controllers retired during the shutdown.

Many controllers typically work 10-hour shifts six days a week due to staffing shortages. As more controllers missed work, the FAA instructed airlines to cut flights to alleviate pressure on the air traffic system. Duffy mentioned that FAA safety experts grew concerned as controller absences increased, citing reports from pilots about controller responses and several runway incursions.

Since the end of the shutdown, controller staffing has improved significantly, and airlines have been permitted to resume normal operations this week.