FAA Grants $10,000 Bonuses to Few Employees Who Never Missed Shift Amid Shutdown

An Airbus A350 passenger aircraft of Japan Airlines and Boeing 777 passenger aircraft of American Airlines are pictured as a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft of Atlas Air is seen in the background at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City on March 5, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that only 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who had perfect attendance during the 43-day government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses.

Nearly 20,000 other workers who also worked without pay will not be included, drawing criticism from unions and lawmakers.