Shutdown Update: NATCA Leadership and Members Make Numerous Media Appearances Demanding End to the Government Shutdown

Nov 1, 2025

NATCA leadership, including President Nick Daniels, Executive Vice President Mick Devine, Regional Vice Presidents, and FacReps made numerous media appearances over the past week, all echoing the same message: End the Government Shutdown Now!

Most of the media appearances occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 when NATCA members spanned more than 20 airports across the country, handing out leaflets to the flying public, alerting them about the government shutdown and its consequences.

The leafleting coincided with the same day air traffic controllers across the country received a zero dollar paycheck for work they have already accomplished, "there is no excuse that these hard-working men and women are showing up to do this job and to not ever know when they are going to get paid again," said Daniels during an appearance on CNN.

Over the past week, NATCA spokespeople have appeared on CNN, NewsNation, FoxNews, MSNBC, NBC National News, ABC National News, and have been interviewed by a number of television stations local to Washington, D.C. Daniels also penned an op-ed for The Hill and was interviewed by a number of print and online publications such as The New York Times, Reuters, and Politico.

Please click on the following links to view some of these national interviews and articles:

Regional Vice Presidents and FacReps were also very busy with media appearances over the last week. Both were extremely visible during the leaflet campaign on Tuesday, relaying the stories of local air traffic controllers in the markets where they live and work.

Below are links to examples of the regional news reports:

During all of these media engagements, the message has been simple - the shutdown must end immediately. NATCA spokespeople will continue to discuss the vital work that air traffic controllers do on a daily basis and the real hardship the government shutdown is placing on ATCs, both professionally and personally.