NATCA Remembers Sept. 11, 2001

Sep 11, 2026

Twenty-five years ago today, our world changed forever. On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and attempted to attack the White House, using hijacked commercial airplanes. Nearly 3,000 people died that day, and thousands more first responders and survivors have since died from cancers and diseases attributed to 9/11. NATCA remembers those who lost their lives and commends the first responders and aviation safety professionals who were on duty that day for their bravery and hard work.

In the face of such horrific and unprecedented events, NATCA members acted with immense patriotism and professionalism. After a total shutdown of the National Airspace System was ordered for the first time, air traffic controllers across the country sprang into action, directing every aircraft in their airspace to land immediately. They guided 700 aircraft to land in the first four minutes, 2,800 in the first hour and more than 4,500 within the first three hours. More than 1 million passengers landed without incident.

There were no guidelines to follow, but on that day, aviation professionals came together to ensure the trust that the public places in us every day was safeguarded. This day serves as a reminder that we must remain committed to our duty to protect the National Airspace System.

We invite you to read accounts from our members of what it was like to work as an air traffic controller during these events: ATC on 9/11: 'The Single Greatest Feat in All of ATC History' - NATCA.