13,000 Air Traffic Controllers: Ghost Pilots of Paychecks
As of October 28, when air traffic controllers missed their very first full paycheck, over 13,000 unpaid heroes kept guiding the skies from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to who-knows-where without a single cent. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, reported they've worked 120+ hours at zero pay, reaching tension levels higher than a TSA gate on holiday travel. Mercy food parcels from pilots and attendants barely patch the wallet-sized black hole. Controller Peter LeFevre insists they'd prefer cash over being political pawns, because apparently navigating financial uncertainty while clearing the aeroport isn't a recognized flight skill (yet).
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13,000 air traffic controllers have become the ultimate unpaid hack squad, juggling thousands of flights without pay like unpaid interns for the sky. Somehow, missing paychecks might just be the fastest way to turn air safety into a suspense thriller.
In an epic plot twist, air traffic controllers are guiding planes sans pay, juggling sky-high tension and copious free snacks like it's the world's worst reality show.
Imagine telling 13,000 people to perform the worldâs most nerve-racking job without a paycheck. Itâs like NASA launching a rocket fueled by good vibes and sympathy cookies.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 10/30/2025 | Author: Amanda Goh
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