US EditionAir Travel Continues to Be Impacted by Government Shutdown
Air traffic controllers working without pay amid a shutdown have led to 10% workforce sickouts and thousands of flight delays across major U.S. airports, union leaders said.
- Since Oct. 1, 2025, the government shutdown has forced air traffic controllers to work without pay, causing shortages that lawmakers say have reduced system safety and delayed flights.
- A long-running hiring shortfall has left the Federal Aviation Administration with about 3,000 missing controllers and halted new trainees at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.
- At Hollywood Burbank on Oct. 6, a control tower went dark for almost six hours, leaving pilots to coordinate, while flight delays averaged two-and-a-half hours as reports show rising sick calls.
- Controllers began receiving a partial paycheck covering 12 of 14 days, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said around 10 percent are calling in sick and threatened to fire them.
- In July, Congress authorized more than $12 billion to modernize air traffic control, but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says a $19 billion additional investment is needed; FAA hiring of 2,000 controllers this year won’t close gaps soon.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Air traffic controller shortage worsens amid government shutdown
A startling message came over the radio from an air traffic control tower near Los Angeles less than a week into the federal government shutdown: “The tower is closed due to staffing.” Without enough air traffic controllers to guide planes into and out of Hollywood Burbank Airport, the tower went dark for almost six hours on Oct. 6, leaving pilots to coordinate their movements among themselves. Flight delays averaged two-and-a-half hours in one …
Air safety at risk, with traffic controllers as 'pawns' in shutdown, official says
More than 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers face rising stress and financial insecurity after Tuesday's disbursement of what will be their final paycheck during the government shutdown, posing potential risk for air travel, the head of an employee union said.
Thanksgiving travel nightmare looms due to government shutdown, GOP leaders warn
The ongoing partial government shutdown is at risk of upending holiday travel plans for Thanksgiving if it rages on for a few more weeks, House GOP leaders ominously warned Tuesday.
This job is key to all government shutdowns — and the crunch is coming sooner this time
Airports 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 been calling in sick in increased...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
