Charlotte air traffic controllers are avoiding delays as frustration mounts over missed pay
Air traffic controllers are among the federal employees working without pay as shutdown continues
The following article appeared in the Oct. 31, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
So far, Charlotte Douglas avoids air traffic controller-related delays, but staff are ‘concerned, frustrated, disappointed’
Charlotte Douglas International Airport has, so far, avoided delays associated with staffing shortages that have troubled many U.S. airports as the federal government shutdown enters its 31st day.
That’s because Charlotte has a relatively high pay for its approximately 100 air traffic controllers, which has enabled most to get through Thursday, their first day without a paycheck. Nevertheless, stress levels are high, said Anthony Schifano, president of the Charlotte local of NACTA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.