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1h ago

Burbank Airport Tower Goes Unmanned for Hours as FAA Slows Traffic During Shutdown

Unpaid controllers facing rising sick calls forced the FAA to slow traffic, producing hours-long delays.

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Former LA Deputy Mayor Brian K. Williams was sentenced Monday to probation and community service after he admitted making a false bomb threat at City Hall.
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Overview

  • The FAA said Hollywood Burbank Airport’s control tower had no controllers from about 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Southern California TRACON managing the airspace.
  • Agency advisories reported average departure delays to Burbank of roughly 151 minutes, with staffing listed as the primary factor and construction also noted.
  • Staffing shortfalls were posted across multiple facilities, with Newark Liberty and Denver International among airports experiencing flow reductions and ground delays.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported a slight uptick in controller sick calls during the funding lapse and emphasized that controllers must work without pay until the shutdown ends.
  • The controllers’ union reminded members that job actions are illegal, and Duffy warned that a prolonged shutdown could disrupt training and threaten Essential Air Service funding as soon as Oct. 12.