U.S. air travelers are facing significant disruptions due to a lack of air traffic controllers caused by the ongoing government shutdown. Delays and cancellations have hit multiple airports, especially in Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, and Newark.
The situation worsened on Monday when Hollywood Burbank Airport in California operated without on-site air traffic control for nearly six hours due to these staffing shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that approximately 50% of air traffic controllers were unavailable in some areas because many are calling in sick amid the stress of the shutdown, which is now in its seventh day.
Air traffic controllers are essential workers. They must continue their jobs without pay during shutdowns. As of Tuesday afternoon, about 3,200 U.S. flights were delayed, according to FlightAware. The FAA also announced a Ground Delay for Chicago’s O’Hare airport, though an end time is still unknown.
Nashville International Airport warned that all incoming and outgoing flights would be reduced due to the controller shortage, leading to more delays. Union representative Drew MacQueen from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association noted that his colleagues are overstretched and under severe stress without pay. He emphasized, “This situation isn’t the fault of air traffic controllers. But they’re the ones suffering the most.”
Tuesday marked the second consecutive day of disruptions caused by the staffing issues tied to the ongoing budget impasse in Congress. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has impacted about 40% of the federal workforce, pushing around 750,000 workers into unpaid leave while essential personnel, like air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay.
The union has warned controllers that failing to show up could lead to job loss, as participation in any form of protest against the shutdown could jeopardize their employment. Duffy mentioned that controller availability has slightly decreased recently due to an increase in sick calls, leading to further travel delays.
He pointed out that air traffic safety remains the top priority, even if it means slowing down air traffic. “If we don’t have controllers, we slow traffic down,” he said.
Historically, disruptions in air travel have influenced government negotiations. For example, during the 2019 shutdown, prolonged delays led to a temporary shutdown at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. This situation ultimately compelled then-President Donald Trump to end a 35-day shutdown after recognizing the severe impact on air travel.
In light of these recent events, it’s clear that the well-being of air traffic controllers is crucial not just for their own lives, but for the safety and efficiency of the air travel system overall.
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