The Transportation Department is recruiting gamers to solve its air traffic controller shortage

For over a decade, the United States has faced a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to flight delays and heightened risks for passengers. In 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a recruitment program targeting video game enthusiasts to address this issue. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the program's success on social media, stating that it met 94% of its hiring goal for new controllers, a record-breaking pace.

Over 2,000 people have been hired, with many completing the training program faster than previous classes. However, candidates must complete a two-year training program, with approximately one-third dropping out before completion. While gamers possess desirable qualities such as problem-solving skills and spatial awareness, the job comes with significant challenges.

Air traffic controllers face high-stress situations, outdated equipment, and long working hours, often managing more flights than anticipated. The Department of Transportation's acceptance rate for the training program has increased, likely due to a more streamlined qualification process. Despite this, the overall number of air traffic controllers in the U.S. has declined by 6% over the past decade as the number of flights has increased by 10%.

Even with the DOT's recruitment efforts, there is no clear indication that either the shortage or the attrition rate will improve in the near future.