NATCA PRESIDENT NICK DANIELS: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SHOW UP EVERY DAY

NATCA PRESIDENT NICK DANIELS: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS SHOW UP EVERY DAY

In a video statement released today, Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), made clear that the responsibility for both the start and end of the ongoing government shutdown lies solely with elected officials.

"Air traffic controllers did not start this shutdown, and we will not be responsible for ending it," Daniels stated unequivocally.

Representing more than 10,800 certified air traffic controllers currently working during the government shutdown without pay, he emphasized that NATCA is focused on maintaining the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System while lawmakers debate a resolution.

Despite the hardship of working without pay, controllers continue to report for duty and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Daniels also reaffirmed NATCA's commitment to working with the Department of Transportation, the FAA, and other key stakeholders to address long-standing challenges in staffing and modernization-efforts now hindered by the shutdown.

Daniels concluded with a direct message to policymakers:

"We urge those responsible for the shutdown to end it now."

Members of the media may download the entire video here and use it in their reporting.