International Day of the Controller, Oct. 20, 2025

Today, NATCA recognizes the International Day of the Controller, the observance recognizing the vital work that is done by air traffic controllers around the world to keep the global airspace operating safely and efficiently.

In the U.S., American controllers are presently operating under enormous stress and distraction as they continue to be responsible for moving 35,000 flights with millions of passengers and many tons of cargo every day without pay. These hardworking Americans are a vital engine for the U.S. economy and our modern way of life and deserve to be paid for the work they are performing.

NATCA honors our members and thanks them for their unwavering commitment to aviation safety. This current situation is unacceptable. The government shutdown must end immediately.