NATCA Announces Agreement on 2.8% Pay Parity Increase for Air Traffic Controllers

WASHINGTON — The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a 2.8% pay parity increase for eligible air traffic controllers. The increase takes effect Oct.18, 2026, and is retroactive to the first full pay period of 2026. 

The agreement represents the culmination of sustained advocacy by NATCA to secure the long-overdue pay increase for the dedicated aviation professionals who perform safety-critical work every day to protect the National Airspace System. NATCA advocated for the pay increase in Congress and worked to secure its inclusion in legislation before continuing its advocacy efforts with the FAA to reach an agreement on implementation. 

“Securing this pay increase took persistent advocacy on behalf of our members, both on Capitol Hill and at the negotiating table,” said NATCA President Nick Daniels. “NATCA worked to advance this increase in Congress because our members deserve fair compensation for the critical work they perform.  

“We continued that effort with the FAA to reach an agreement to put the increase into effect. This is an important step for air traffic controllers, and we will continue fighting for the compensation, staffing, and working conditions our members deserve.” 

The increase will provide air traffic controllers with a 2.8% pay adjustment retroactive to Jan. 11, 2026, recognizing the important work of the highly skilled professionals responsible for the safety of the National Airspace System.