Why is there a shortage of air traffic controllers? Because the FAA hasn’t been serious about apprenticeship and every new controller had to move to Oklahoma City.

DOGE has let go many federal employees, including some with the FAA Here's what to know and how the cuts affected air traffic controller shortage.

After criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upon his return to office, President Donald Trump took steps to slash jobs at the agency — but his administration now appears to be changing its tune.

Tesla CEO and DOGE boss Elon Musk took to X on Thursday to call for retired air traffic controllers to return to their posts. “There is a shortage of top-notch air traffic controllers,” Musk wrote on X. “If you have retired, but are open to returning to work, please consider doing so.”

Millions of travelers rely on air traffic controllers every day to orchestrate high-speed maneuvers and help prevent planes from crashing. But a critical shortage has forced many to work “six days a week,