The United States has recruited more than 2,000 people with video gaming backgrounds as part of an effort to address a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, according to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The recruitment drive, launched earlier this year, is aimed at attracting people with skills such as rapid decision-making, concentration and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
More than 2,000 people hired
Duffy announced the latest figures in a post on X, saying the campaign had already achieved 94% of its hiring target.
According to the secretary, more than 2,000 candidates have been hired, while another 2,000-plus applicants are in the recruitment pipeline.
“In April, we launched a NEW CAMPAIGN to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers,” Duffy said, claiming the administration had accelerated the hiring process to bring in the “best and brightest” candidates more quickly.
He described the results as “historic” and said the initiative was helping build a “stronger, sharpest” workforce in aviation history.
The recruitment campaign does not mean video gamers can automatically become certified air traffic controllers. Candidates must still meet the relevant requirements and undergo the training and certification process required for the profession.
🚨 GAME CHANGER
In April, we launched a NEW CAMPAIGN to recruit video gamers as air traffic controllers — and supercharged the entire hiring process to get the BEST & BRIGHTEST in faster. The results are HISTORIC ✈️
✅ 94% of hiring goal met — fastest time ever to reach target… pic.twitter.com/gN3OGmEIBB
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) August 9, 2026
Why are gamers being recruited?
Video games, particularly those requiring players to monitor several elements simultaneously, can develop skills that are potentially useful in air traffic control.
Air traffic controllers must constantly monitor aircraft, communicate with pilots and make quick decisions while maintaining a high level of concentration.
The US aviation system, however, has been struggling with a significant staffing shortage.
The country is estimated to be short by approximately 3,000 to 4,000 certified professional controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration employs around 11,000 fully certified controllers, compared with a much higher staffing requirement across facilities.
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Concerns over aviation safety
The recruitment announcement quickly triggered debate online, with some social media users questioning whether the accelerated hiring process could compromise aviation safety.
Critics expressed concerns about shortening recruitment and training procedures for a profession where mistakes can have serious consequences.
However, recruiting people with gaming experience is not the same as allowing untrained gamers to control commercial aircraft. Candidates still have to undergo the required screening, training and certification before taking on the responsibilities of a fully qualified controller.
The staffing shortage itself has also contributed to operational challenges. More than 90% of air traffic control towers nationwide are reportedly understaffed, contributing to restrictions and delays at major airports, including hubs around New York.
The administration is therefore attempting to expand the pool of potential candidates while speeding up the hiring process to address the shortage.
For now, the recruitment of gamers represents an unconventional approach to a longstanding staffing problem, with its effectiveness likely to depend on how successfully new recruits progress through the demanding training and certification process.
