As flight reductions grow, union boss says air traffic controllers ‘can’t pay for gas’

Air travel could get even tricker today as the FAA is set to implement a 6% reduction in flights nationwide, up from 4%. And air traffic controllers have now missed a second payday.

Phoenix Sky Harbor has seen hundreds of delays and cancellations since the FAA ordered a reduction in flights last week. On Monday, the agency expanded flight restrictions to include business aircraft and many private flights.

Scottsdale Airport and Mesa Gateway told KJZZ that they anticipate being able to accommodate any general aviation traffic, which includes those business, private and charter flights.

Mesa Gateway says it has not been hit by flight disruptions or cancellations — yet. A spokesperson said that their air traffic controllers are contractors, so they are still getting paid.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels says no American should ever be forced to work without pay.

“We use the term ‘call in sick’ so loosely with the federal workforce that are the accepted employees that have to show up. They’re facing real issues,” he said. “We have letter after letter talking about the impacts this shutdown — that it’s having on them. That they can’t pay for gas to get to work.”