FAA Seeks Gamers to Become Air Traffic Controllers

Agency aims to hire 9,000 new controllers by 2028, targeting video game enthusiasts

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic air traffic control tower, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the complex digital infrastructure. The tower is surrounded by a network of glowing fiber-optic cables and pulsing data streams, conceptually representing the technological backbone of modern air traffic management.Cutting-edge technology and a new generation of gamers-turned-air traffic controllers aim to modernize and secure the skies.NYC Today

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively recruiting video game players to become air traffic controllers, citing similarities between gaming and the skills required for the job. The agency is looking to hire close to 9,000 new air traffic controllers by 2028 to address staffing shortages, and believes gamers possess many of the necessary hard skills for the role.

Why it matters

The FAA's push to hire gamers as air traffic controllers comes in the wake of a tragic crash at LaGuardia Airport, where investigators are examining whether staffing issues may have contributed to the incident. By tapping into the gaming community, the agency hopes to 'supercharge' its recruitment efforts and bring in a new generation of air traffic controllers.

The details

The FAA has released a video targeting video game enthusiasts, asking them if they are 'up for the challenge' of becoming an air traffic controller. The agency notes that the job is not just a 'game' but a 'career' with an average salary of up to $155,000 by the third year. Exit interviews with departing air traffic controllers have shown that gaming is a common hobby, and shares similarities with the work. The FAA is aiming to bring on 8,900 new air traffic controllers by the end of fiscal year 2028, with record numbers of new hires planned for the next several years.

  • The FAA video was released on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • The agency plans to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers in 2025, 2,200 in 2026, 2,300 in 2027, and 2,400 in 2028.

The players

Sean Duffy

Transportation Secretary, who stated that the FAA needs to 'adapt' to reach the next generation of air traffic controllers.

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What they’re saying

“To reach the next generation of air traffic controllers, we need to adapt.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

What’s next

The FAA is planning to continue its aggressive hiring push, with the goal of bringing on 8,900 new air traffic controllers by the end of fiscal year 2028.

The takeaway

The FAA's decision to target video game enthusiasts as potential air traffic controllers highlights the agency's recognition that it needs to evolve its recruitment strategies to attract the next generation of workers. By tapping into the gaming community, the FAA hopes to find candidates with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in this critical role, helping to ensure the safety of millions of air travelers.