The Trump administration is exploring ways to pay air traffic controllers amid a prolonged federal government shutdown, aiming to prevent widespread flight delays and political fallout, reported Washington, DC's Politico.

The shutdown, now in its third week, has left over 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay. Aides say the White House is searching for funding sources to cover their $500 million monthly payroll, though no solution has been confirmed.

The Federal Aviation Administration warned that staffing shortages could lead to delays, especially if illnesses affect key control towers. "When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations," the agency said.

OMB director Russ Vought said the administration is trying to reallocate funds to pay essential workers. "We're playing budgetary twister to find a pot of money," he said, noting that next week's pay stubs for controllers may show zero dollars.

Illness-related absences among East Coast controllers were credited with ending the 2019 shutdown. "We vividly remember when this became the breaking point," said an administration ally.

Internally, the FAA has discussed options to pay controllers, but reprogramming funds typically requires congressional approval. The White House has already redirected US$8 billion in military R&D funds to cover troop salaries.

A document outlining historical precedent for such fund shifts has been circulated to Congress. The administration believes the legal basis for these moves is defensible.

The Senate is expected to consider legislation this week that would allow certain federal employees, including military personnel and other essential workers, to receive pay during the shutdown.