FAA Exceeds 2025 ATC Hiring Goal

FAA ATC hiring beat expectations: 2,026 new controllers joined in FY2025.

On September 23, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it exceeded its fiscal year 2025 FAA ATC hiring objective, bringing in 2,026 new air traffic controllers against a target of 1,800. ATC (air traffic control) staffing was a priority as commercial and cargo traffic climbs and airports push to reduce delays and maintain safety.

The recruitment effort aims to ease staffing shortfalls across US airports and the national airspace system, improving runway throughput, staffing resilience, and operational reliability. The hires support both tower and en-route facilities, helping controllers manage higher traffic volumes while preserving safety margins.

Why the FAA ATC hiring boost matters

More controllers means better coverage during peak periods and fewer forced outages for training or leave. For travelers and shippers, that can translate to fewer cascading delays, steadier on-time performance, and a more robust response to weather or system disruptions. The FAA framed the result as part of a broader push to modernize and sustain air traffic control infrastructure amid post‑pandemic demand recovery.

Key takeaway: FAA ATC hiring reached 2,026 new controllers in FY2025, surpassing the 1,800 target.

While hiring is critical, workforce planning, training throughput, and retention will determine how quickly those new hires translate to improved airport operations. The FAA continues to balance recruitment with rigorous certification timelines and on-the-job training before new controllers assume independent duties.

The announcement on September 23, 2025, underscores federal efforts to strengthen frontline aviation staffing as the United States handles increasing passenger and cargo flows. Agencies and industry stakeholders will watch how these new controllers are distributed across tower, terminal, and en‑route centers through the coming months.