DOT Taps Gamers for Air Traffic Control, Sees Record Applications

Transportation Secretary says 12,000 applied in 24 hours, the most in FAA history.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:08am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic air traffic control tower, with pulsing neon cyan and magenta lights emanating from the structure's intricate cybernetic infrastructure, conceptually representing the high-tech, high-stakes nature of air traffic control.Tapping into the gaming community's problem-solving and multitasking skills, the DOT's innovative recruitment drive aims to address a critical shortage of air traffic controllers.Oklahoma City Today

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a new campaign to recruit video game players to become air traffic controllers, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing the effort received a record-breaking 12,000 applications in just 24 hours - the most the FAA has ever seen in a single day since its creation 68 years ago.

Why it matters

The DOT is looking to address a shortage of air traffic controllers, with the Trump administration seeking to hire an additional 2,300 trainees. By tapping into the gaming community, the DOT believes it can find skilled candidates who possess the multitasking and problem-solving abilities needed for the job.

The details

Duffy said the DOT reached out to the gaming community, noting that out of a sample of 250 trainee air traffic controllers in Oklahoma City, only 3 weren't gamers. 'We thought there was a connection here. They [gamers] problem solve, they're spatially aware, they do multiple things at the same time,' Duffy said in an interview with Fox News.

  • The DOT campaign launched in April 2026.
  • The 12,000 applications were received within 24 hours.

The players

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the record-breaking gamer recruitment campaign for air traffic controllers.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose administration was reportedly seeking to hire an additional 2,300 trainee air traffic controllers.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees air traffic control and was reportedly 3,500 employees short of its target staffing level.

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What they’re saying

“We thought there was a connection here. They [gamers] problem solve, they're spatially aware, they do multiple things at the same time.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

What’s next

The DOT will be testing the skills of the 8,000 qualified applicants from the 12,000 who applied in the first 24 hours.

The takeaway

The DOT's innovative approach to recruiting air traffic controllers from the gaming community highlights the growing recognition that certain skills developed through video games, such as multitasking and problem-solving, can translate well to high-stakes, high-pressure jobs like air traffic control.