FAA hires record number of air traffic controllers as staffing crisis eases

In the latest fiscal year, the Federal Aviation Administration hired 2,235 air-traffic-controller trainees, beating its 2,200-trainee target and setting a new agency record. Certified professional controllers rose to 11,027 by September 30, up from 10,694 at the end of fiscal 2025, a net gain of 333. Secretary Sean Duffy said the gains stem from faster hiring pipelines, expanded college training initiatives, and encouragement from President Trump.

The hiring surge is part of a three-year plan that calls for 2,200 trainees in 2026, 2,300 in 2027 and 2,400 in 2028, aiming for a long-term target of 12,563 certified controllers. Despite the progress, the FAA still trails its staffing goal by 1,536 controllers as it moves into fiscal 2027. The administration also introduced retention bonuses and a streamlined training route that lets qualified college graduates bypass the FAA Academy.