US Airport Delays Worsen Amid Government Shutdown
Flight delays across the US have reached a boiling point as nearly half of the nation's busiest airports struggle with severe air traffic controller shortages. The crisis has deepened with the 31st day of the federal government shutdown, leaving thousands of workers unpaid and travelers facing prolonged disruptions.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at least 35 facilities, including major hubs like New York City, Austin, and Washington DC, are experiencing staffing problems. Delays have averaged over an hour, with some airports experiencing as much as 50% cancellation rates and flight times exceeding two hours.
The situation has been exacerbated by Halloween evening's reduced traffic, which allowed for a temporary reprieve but not enough to alleviate the pressure on air traffic controllers. As a result, more than 5,600 flights were delayed on Friday alone, with 500 cancellations reported.
The FAA warned that the shutdown must end to allow unpaid workers to receive pay and minimize further disruptions. Air traffic controller stress levels have reached "immense" proportions, according to the agency.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy forecasted more flight disruptions as the weekend approaches, citing concerns about ongoing staffing shortages. Airlines have urged Congress to quickly pass a stopgap funding bill to allow for the government's reopening, with some airlines warning of aviation safety risks due to prolonged shutdowns.
With the FAA operating 3,500 fewer air traffic controllers than its target level, many staff members were already working extended hours and six-day weeks before the shutdown. The current crisis has pushed these shortages to new heights, threatening widespread disruptions similar to those that occurred during a 35-day government shutdown in 2019.
Flight delays across the US have reached a boiling point as nearly half of the nation's busiest airports struggle with severe air traffic controller shortages. The crisis has deepened with the 31st day of the federal government shutdown, leaving thousands of workers unpaid and travelers facing prolonged disruptions.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at least 35 facilities, including major hubs like New York City, Austin, and Washington DC, are experiencing staffing problems. Delays have averaged over an hour, with some airports experiencing as much as 50% cancellation rates and flight times exceeding two hours.
The situation has been exacerbated by Halloween evening's reduced traffic, which allowed for a temporary reprieve but not enough to alleviate the pressure on air traffic controllers. As a result, more than 5,600 flights were delayed on Friday alone, with 500 cancellations reported.
The FAA warned that the shutdown must end to allow unpaid workers to receive pay and minimize further disruptions. Air traffic controller stress levels have reached "immense" proportions, according to the agency.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy forecasted more flight disruptions as the weekend approaches, citing concerns about ongoing staffing shortages. Airlines have urged Congress to quickly pass a stopgap funding bill to allow for the government's reopening, with some airlines warning of aviation safety risks due to prolonged shutdowns.
With the FAA operating 3,500 fewer air traffic controllers than its target level, many staff members were already working extended hours and six-day weeks before the shutdown. The current crisis has pushed these shortages to new heights, threatening widespread disruptions similar to those that occurred during a 35-day government shutdown in 2019.
! The US airport delays are getting out of hand and it's all because of the government shutdown 
. I feel so bad for the air traffic controllers who have been working non-stop without pay 
. It's not just about them though, it's also about the travelers who are getting stuck in airports waiting for their flights 
. And to make matters worse, the situation is only going to get more dire as we head into the weekend 
.
so that these workers can get paid and air traffic controllers can get back to work. We need our airports to be running smoothly again, not just for travelers but also for the economy 
. This shutdown is having a ripple effect on everything from flights to business meetings 
!
This is getting ridiculous! Flight delays are already bad enough as it is, but now they're going crazy with air traffic controller shortages at major airports 
. I'm not sure what's more concerning, the fact that thousands of workers are getting paid without working or the impact on travelers' schedules 
. I mean, how can you plan a trip when your flights keep getting delayed or canceled? 
And it's not just about the inconvenience - there's also the safety risk factor, as airlines are warning us 
We need this to end ASAP so we can get back to normal airport operations 
️.
. I'm starting to think that the FAA needs to come up with a contingency plan ASAP, or else we'll be seeing even more disruptions like we did back in 2019 
. Anyway, hope they can figure out a solution soon before people lose their minds 
.
flight delays are gettin outta control like crazy! i mean, who knew the gov shutdown could cause so much chaos? 
would hate to see us go into winter with these delays still goin on 
It's not just about them, though – it's about all the travelers who are getting stuck in limbo because flights keep getting delayed or cancelled 
. Meanwhile, we're stuck dealing with the consequences, and it's just not fair 
. I'm all for accountability and fixing our budget issues, but can't they do it without messing with air travel? 
It's not fair to the workers who are already working non-stop just to keep flights running.
! This is a safety issue, plain and simple. Airlines are warning about aviation safety risks, which is terrifying 
Air traffic controller stress is REAL though 
[GIF: a person throwing hands up in the air]
5,600 flights delayed on one day alone? like, what even is the point of having a gov't if it can't get its act together 
and airlines are worried about aviation safety risks? that's all too real for me, having to deal with long lines at airports just to check in 
500 cancellations on one day alone? That's crazy talk! 
I'm glad someone like Sean Duffy is speaking up, but seriously, Congress needs to act ASAP or we'll be seeing more of these delays and cancellations... 
.
it's insane! i think airlines & the gov should just work out a stopgap funding thingy ASAP 
. Can't we prioritize paying our workers and ensuring our airports run smoothly over partisan bickering? It's not like this is the first time we've seen delays because of a government shutdown, but does anyone ever take responsibility for it? 
it's not like these folks have anything better to do than work extended hours and six-day weeks... oh wait, they don't because Congress is too busy playing politics 
. can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out - I'm sure it'll be a real page-turner (not).