Elon Musk Takes to X to Beg Retired Air Traffic Controllers to Return to Work: ‘There is a Shortage’

Elon Musk on Thursday called on retired air traffic controllers to come back to work while citing a supposed shortage of employees at the position.

Musk has taken a particularly keen interest in the Federal Aviation Administration since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. He’s done so with the support of Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who previously claimed that DOGE — of which Musk has become the face despite technically not being in charge of it — would be stepping in to “upgrade” the country’s aviation systems.

This all came at a time when the Trump administration slashed countless jobs across multiple federal branches, including several hundred at the FAA. The timing of these cuts was especially unfortunate considering the fact that the FAA was already “stressed to the max” over a series of deadly accidents.

According to additional reporting by The Associated Press, fired employees included personnel responsible for radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance. Duffy emphasized that no air traffic controllers or “critical safety personnel” were fired.

Still, Musk claimed on X/Twitter that there was a shortage of “top-notch” air traffic controllers. To remedy this, he suggested bringing former controllers out of retirement if they’re still willing to work.

“There is a shortage of top notch air traffic controllers,” he said. “If you have retired, but are open to returning to work, please consider doing so.”

Musk’s clarion call for “top-notch air traffic controllers” comes at a time of increased public concern surrounding air travel safety following a surprising spate of airplane accidents and near misses. However, experts have largely argued that the increased frequency is an anomaly.