The Federal Aviation Administration announced on May 18 a revised air traffic controller workforce plan, lowering its full staffing target to 12,563 certified professional controllers. This new figure represents a decrease of roughly 2,000 controllers from previous targets.
The change in staffing numbers is significant for the aviation industry and travelers as it may affect how air traffic control services are managed across the country. The FAA said the updated target reflects forecast demand and recommendations from the Transportation Research Board, which examined the agency’s staffing models and methodologies.
According to the FAA, approximately 11,000 certified controllers were working at more than 300 facilities as of April. In addition, about 4,000 individuals are currently in training to become certified controllers. The revised plan also includes measures such as automated scheduling tools, reviewing facility hours of operation, expanding simulator-based training programs and increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to model National Airspace System performance before operations begin.
“This forward-thinking plan delivers on President Donald J. Trump’s promise to provide the American flying public with a world-class air traffic control system, and that starts with highly trained, professional air traffic controllers,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “We can’t continue to operate the same way and expect better results. We’re changing how we hire, train and schedule our controller workforce – and providing them with the state-of-the-art tools they need to succeed.”
The new staffing goal replaces a previous target of 14,633 controllers that was developed jointly by the FAA and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in 2023. NATCA said it was not involved in developing this latest workforce plan for years 2026-2028. “NATCA was not involved in the development of the 2026-2028 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan and is reviewing the document,” NATCA told FLYING.
Despite changes in overall targets, hiring goals remain steady: The FAA plans to hire 2,200 new controllers in fiscal year 2026; followed by targets of 2,300 for fiscal year 2027; and another increase to reach hiring of up to 2,400 trainees in fiscal year 2028. The agency also reported that it hired its highest number since 2008—totaling more than two thousand controller trainees—in fiscal year 2025.
