FAA proposes to hire 2,300 air traffic controllers in budget request

From Reuters: 

The FAA is proposing to hire 2,300 air traffic controller trainees in its 2026 budget request, allocating $95.4 million for onboarding, an increase from 2,038 planned for 2025.

The agency faces a severe staffing shortage, currently 3,500 controllers below target, with 13,164 employed at the end of September (down 6% from a decade ago). Controllers endure mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks, while the training academy struggles with retention and high failure rates.

Additional requests include $39 million for safety and space oversight. Congress previously approved funding for 2,500 hires and $12.5 billion to modernize the aging air traffic control system. The FAA has raised starting salaries by 30% and offered incentives to retain experienced staff.

This proposal comes amidst the Trump Administration’s plans to fully overhaul the outdated U.S. air traffic control system: replacing old radar, radios, and infrastructure at 4,600+ sites with modern fiber, wireless, and satellite tech. It includes building six new centers, new towers, and a unified platform.

“The FAA is seeking $95.4 million to bring ​2,300 controller trainees on board, up from 2,038 in 2025. The FAA is ​also seeking $39 million to increase aviation safety oversight and strengthen commercial space transportation oversight, compliance and enforcement.

Congress approved $12.5 billion last year for a rehabilitation of the aging U.S. air traffic ​control system and to boost hiring.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said last week he ​wants another $7 billion to $10 billion for new software and other tech upgrades.”

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