diff --git a/app/test-pmd/testpmd.c b/app/test-pmd/testpmd.c
index 7381dfd9e5..295856f1a8 100644
--- a/app/test-pmd/testpmd.c
+++ b/app/test-pmd/testpmd.c
@@ -231,7 +231,7 @@ unsigned int xstats_display_num; /**< Size of extended statistics to show */
  * In container, it cannot terminate the process which running with 'stats-period'
  * option. Set flag to exit stats period loop after received SIGINT/SIGTERM.
  */
-uint8_t f_quit;
+static volatile uint8_t f_quit;
 uint8_t cl_quit; /* Quit testpmd from cmdline. */
 
 /*