Widespread flight delays and cancellations have disrupted travel across major US airports, driven by a sharp increase in air traffic controller absences, the Federal Aviation Administration announced. The staffing crisis is intensifying as the government shutdown enters its second month, leaving nearly 13,000 controllers working without pay and under significant stress.
On Friday, approximately 6,000 flights within the US were delayed and nearly 500 were cancelled, according to data from FlightAware. The FAA implemented ground delay programs at multiple airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, to manage the reduced flow of air traffic and ensure safety standards are met amidst the shortages. This proactive measure aimed to prevent safety lapses but contributed to extensive travel disruptions for passengers.
The agency reported that a “surge” in callouts has left half of the 30 busiest US airports with insufficient staffing levels. In the New York area, the situation was critical, with about 80% of air traffic controllers absent, severely impacting operations at key hubs and causing ripple effects throughout the national airspace system. Airports in Texas, Florida, and other regions also experienced similar challenges, highlighting the nationwide scope of the issue.
Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been unpaid for 31 days due to the ongoing government shutdown. The FAA highlighted that these essential workers are experiencing “immense stress and fatigue,” compounding financial hardships such as inability to cover mortgages, childcare costs, and daily expenses without their salaries. Many controllers, who are required to work despite the pay lapse, are facing unprecedented personal and professional strain.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concern over the conditions, noting in a Fox News interview that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and are grappling with unprecedented anxiety. He called for a swift end to the shutdown to restore normalcy for workers and minimize travel disruptions for the public, emphasizing the human toll behind the operational issues.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with a Republican-led bill to fund the government failing to pass the Senate over a dozen times. Democrats are pushing for policy concessions, including extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to lower health insurance costs and reversing Medicaid cuts enacted under the Trump administration, as part of any agreement to reopen the government. This political stalemate has prolonged the shutdown, exacerbating the aviation crisis.
The FAA has warned that the staffing shortages necessitate ongoing reductions in air traffic volume to maintain safety, which could lead to further delays or cancellations. This comes during a peak travel period, exacerbating frustrations for passengers, airlines, and airport operators already dealing with the shutdown’s cascading effects. Airlines have issued advisories urging travelers to check flight statuses and expect potential itinerary changes.
If the impasse continues, the aviation system may face escalating operational challenges, potentially affecting international flights and economic activities reliant on air travel. The situation underscores the broader consequences of political gridlock on critical infrastructure and public services, with calls growing for a resolution to prevent long-term damage to the US economy and global connectivity.