US EditionStaffing issues cause delays at US airports as shutdown persists
- On October 6, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing shortages causing delays at several major US airports, including Newark, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Burbank.
- These delays came after a minor uptick in air traffic controller absences due to illness during the ongoing government shutdown, with both officials and unions drawing attention to an ongoing nationwide shortage of these personnel.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated staffing has been cut by up to 50% in some areas, and many controllers now work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to maintain operations.
- FlightAware reported over 4,000 flight delays on October 6 and that 29% of Denver, 19% of Newark, and 15% of Las Vegas flights experienced delays.
- Officials cautioned that additional employee absences could lead to more significant service cuts, and noted that 13,000 air traffic controllers along with 50,000 TSA agents must continue their duties during the shutdown despite not receiving pay until funding is reinstated.
105 Articles
105 Articles
Staffing issues see U.S. flights delayed as shutdown persists
TSA Warns Travelers to Expect Longer Wait Times at Airports During Government Shutdown
As the government shutdown nears a week, travelers may want to pack their patience.Brandon Bell/Getty Images Travelers walk through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport following a government shutdown on October 01, 2025 in Austin, Texas.Passengers across the country may experience longer wait times at airport security as the government shutdown drags on into a full week, forcing travelers to pack their patience.The Transportation Security…
The government shutdown is starting to bite at US airports
The government shutdown is now rippling through airports across the country.Flights at several major airports were delayed Monday because of air traffic controller staffing shortages.Air traffic controllers and TSA employees are considered essential workers, so they're working without pay.But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says there's been an uptick in the number of air traffic controllers calling in sick."If we have additional sick calls,…
Duffy: Shutdown adding ‘ripple effect’ to air traffic controller shortage
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday said the air traffic controller shortage will experience a “ripple effect” from the government shutdown. Duffy said while air traffic control personnel numbers are up 20 percent, those who are in training risk losing guidance from support staff amid the shutdown. “One of the problems, the shutdown, though, is…
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