FAA Shutdown 2026 — Rolling Coverage
📰 Story SummaryCongress is negotiating the FY2026 continuing resolution with the current CR expiring midnight Friday. NATCA leadership is coordinating directly with FAA Administrator Washington on contingency operations. This story will be updated as the situation evolves — follow for real-time developments.
- Controllers in operational positions must report to work as scheduled if a shutdown occurs
- Pay will be retroactively provided once a funding bill is enacted
- Training classes at the FAA Academy will pause on Day 1 of any shutdown
- NATCA Member Assistance Program (MAP) remains fully funded and operational
- Facility Rep action required: Schedule local briefings within 48 hours
Updates 12
Sort: Newest first ▾Senate Majority Leader confirms late-night vote on CR
Senate Majority Leader confirmed moments ago that a vote on the continuing resolution will occur before midnight Friday. NATCA's legislative team is on the Hill and will provide live updates from the Senate gallery.
"We have reached a framework agreement. Senators should expect a vote tonight." — Majority Leader, 2:11 PM
House passes CR 308-125 — bill now heads to Senate
The House of Representatives has passed the continuing resolution by a vote of 308-125. The bill includes full FAA funding through June 15 and contains the controller hiring language NATCA has advocated for. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Correction: Academy training pause affects all phases
Earlier we reported that only Phase 2 FAA Academy training would pause during a shutdown. The correct information, confirmed with FAA Academy leadership, is that all training phases pause on Day 1, including Phase 1 basic and initial qualification training.
FAA Administrator confirms excepted status for controllers
In a meeting with NATCA leadership this morning, FAA Administrator Washington confirmed that all operational air traffic controllers will be designated as "excepted" under a shutdown scenario and must report to work as scheduled. Pay will be retroactive once appropriations are restored.
- Controllers on operational positions: report as scheduled
- Controllers on training: contact your training lead immediately
- Controllers on pre-approved leave: leave stands, but coordinate with your OM
Where things stand: CR negotiations enter final 72 hours
With the current continuing resolution expiring midnight Friday, April 12, Senate and House leadership remain in active negotiation. Key sticking points include supplemental disaster aid and border security riders. NATCA's government affairs team is meeting with Appropriations Committee staff throughout the day.
Story opened: initial memo to facility reps
NATCA leadership is tracking the FY2026 appropriations negotiations closely. This rolling coverage page will be updated as developments occur. All facility representatives should begin reviewing the attached contingency memorandum and preparing local briefings.