FAA hits 2,000 air traffic controller hires in 2025

FAA reports over 2,000 air traffic controller hires in fiscal year 2025, advancing its multi-year staffing plan.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it has hired more than 2,000 air traffic controller hires during fiscal year 2025, part of a broader effort to rebuild staffing levels across the U.S. national airspace system. The agency says this hiring surge is intended to reduce operational bottlenecks and keep flights moving safely as passenger and cargo demand rises.

Staffing shortfalls have been a recurring concern for airlines and airport operators, who point to controller gaps as a contributor to delays—especially at major hub airports. The FAA’s recruitment push pairs increased hiring with updates to training programs and outreach to a more diverse candidate pool to create a stronger, more resilient pipeline of qualified controllers.

Why these air traffic controller hires matter

By surpassing the 2,000 mark in FY2025, the FAA is tracking toward its goal of 8,900 hires by 2028. Sustained hiring and training are crucial to maintaining safe traffic flows, reducing delays, and ensuring the system can handle peak travel periods without compromising safety.

• What the FAA says: over 2,000 air traffic controller hires in fiscal year 2025, with a target of 8,900 hires by 2028.
• Focus on modern training curricula and broader outreach to new applicants.
• Objective: reduce delay-causing staffing gaps at major U.S. hubs and support growing cargo operations.

The FAA frames this as a multi-year commitment—hiring is only part of the equation. On-the-job training, certification timelines, and retention efforts will determine how quickly new controllers can move into frontline positions. Industry groups and carriers will be watching whether this staffing momentum translates into measurable improvements in punctuality and operational resilience.

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