FAA Looks to Gamers for Air Traffic Control Jobs

Agency launches hiring push to address staffing shortages at Newark Airport

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:08pm

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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 infrastructure and digital displays. The tower is surrounded by a network of glowing, interconnected cables and circuits, representing the advanced technology and systems that power air traffic control operations.Cutting-edge air traffic control technology powers the safe navigation of thousands of daily flights, a vital role the FAA hopes to fill with skilled gamers.Newark Today

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is targeting gamers as potential air traffic controllers, recognizing that their skills in gaming could translate well to the vital role of guiding aircraft safely at airports. With staffing shortages at Newark Airport, the FAA is offering competitive salaries, paid training, and early retirement options to attract qualified applicants, even those without prior air traffic control experience.

Why it matters

The FAA's creative approach to recruiting air traffic controllers from the gaming community highlights how certain skills developed through gaming, such as multitasking, quick decision-making, and spatial awareness, can be valuable assets in high-pressure roles like air traffic control. This initiative aims to address staffing challenges at major airports like Newark, where there have been concerns about having enough certified controllers on duty.

The details

As of September 2026, there were only 22 fully certified air traffic controllers and 5 certified supervisors working at Newark Liberty International Airport. To boost staffing, the FAA launched a new hiring campaign targeting gamers, touting the $155,000 average pay, paid training, and early retirement options for qualified applicants. Applicants must be U.S. citizens under the age of 31 who speak fluent English, and they will go through a five-step process including an aptitude test, medical exams, and intensive simulated training.

  • In September 2026, there were 22 fully certified air traffic controllers and 5 certified supervisors working at Newark Airport.
  • The FAA announced it met its hiring goal of 2,026 new air traffic controllers in 2026.
  • The FAA's new hiring campaign for gamers to become air traffic controllers will launch applications on April 17, 2026.

The players

Department of Transportation

The federal agency that oversees the FAA and launched the special campaign to boost air traffic controller staffing nationwide.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency responsible for air traffic control and aviation safety, which is leading the effort to recruit gamers as potential air traffic controllers.

Newark Liberty International Airport

A major airport in New Jersey that has faced staffing shortages in its air traffic control operations, with only 22 fully certified controllers on duty as of September 2026.

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What’s next

The FAA will begin accepting applications for the air traffic controller positions on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The FAA's innovative approach to recruiting gamers as air traffic controllers highlights how certain skills developed through gaming, such as multitasking, quick decision-making, and spatial awareness, can be valuable assets in high-pressure roles. This initiative aims to address staffing challenges at major airports like Newark, where there have been concerns about having enough certified controllers on duty.