Elon Musk called Thursday for retired air traffic controllers to consider returning to work amid staffing shortages — but a federal law means doing so isn't so simple. The big picture: Hiring shortages have long plagued air traffic controllers in already stressful roles overseeing critical airspace,

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the increase to almost $23 an hour is intended to boost recruitment and retention.

Former President Joe Biden in 2024 signed into law a FAA reauthorization bill that requires the agency to hire to the maximum level possible at the training academy for the next five years and expands the center’s capacity, among other recruitment and retention provisions.