Biden wants to hire 2,000 air traffic controllers in 2025

The Biden administration said Monday it is seeking funding from Congress to hire another 2,000 air traffic controllers in the 2025 budget year after a series of near-miss incidents.

The Federal Aviation Administration is facing a persistent shortage of controllers that has caused flight delays and forced the FAA to extend cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024. At many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover staffing shortages. The FAA wants $43 million to accelerate the hiring and training controllers.