US EditionAir traffic control staffing problems continue to cause delays as shutdown drags on
More than half of air traffic delays are now linked to staffing shortages as essential FAA employees work without pay during the government shutdown, officials said.
- On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration reported multiple facilities short-staffed as the federal government shutdown reached its second week ahead of Columbus Day weekend when roughly 52,000 flights are scheduled.
- Controllers began working without pay on Monday, and absences rose this week as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a `small fraction` were `lashing out` by not coming to work.
- Industry groups warned that staffing shortages now cause 53% of delays, with nearly 3,700 flights delayed on Friday, while Airlines for America said, `'It is safe to fly, but ATC staffing shortages strain the system and cause flights to be spaced out.'`
- The FAA has temporarily slowed takeoffs into some cities to maintain safe operations, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport faces 30 to 60 minute departure delays and the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center remains understaffed until 3 p.m. ET.
- Analysts warn the risk of significant disruptions grows the longer federal workers go unpaid, citing the late 2018 National airspace disruptions precedent and officials cautioning it could worsen in roughly 10 days.
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How the government shutdown is making the air traffic controller shortage worse and leading to flight delays
The government shutdown has exacerbated the air traffic controller shortage, leading to delays at airports across the country, including in Burbank, Calif. Mario Tama/Getty ImagesAirports across the United States have been experiencing significant flight delays recently because of a shortage of air traffic controllers, who have been required to work without pay since a government shutdown began on Oct. 1, 2025. Reports suggest employees have bee…
Due to the shutdown, many flights in the USA are delayed. Travellers also have to be prepared for restrictions elsewhere.
Shutdown fallout deepens: Duffy warns absentee controllers could face firing as delays spread - Asian Journal News
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says staffing absences now cause over half of U.S. flight delays, as 13,000 controllers work unpaid during the second week of the government shutdown. WASHINGTON, D.C. / LOS ANGELES – The U.S. government shutdown entered its second week with rising strain on air travel. Thousands of flight delays have piled up, federal aviation staff are working without…
Government shutdown impacts air travel Columbus Day weekend
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP) - It's the 10th day of the government shutdown, and concerns are on the rise about its impact on air travel this Columbus Day weekend. As the shutdown continues, flights are still taking off, but the aviation sector faces numerous challenges, resulting in delays and cancellations for travelers. Air Travelers are beginning to fly out or land for their Columbus Day weekend plans, but since the government shutdown, air t…
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