The FAA did not agree to a recorded interview for this story, but in a written statement it said that growing the controller workforce is “a top priority for the FAA.” It also highlighted that more than 8,300 people recently qualified to take an aptitude test, which is an early step in the process of becoming a controller.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is hoping that bonuses for new recruits and controllers near retirement will speed efforts to reduce a 3,000-person shortfall.