Overview

• Burbank’s tower had no controllers from 4:15 p.m. to about 10 p.m. local time on Monday, with Southern California TRACON handling arriving and departing flights.
• FAA data showed average departure delays to Burbank of roughly 151 minutes, with ground delay programs used to maintain safe operations.
• The agency reported staffing shortages or triggers across multiple facilities, with Newark and Denver also posting delays tied to low controller staffing.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there has been a slight uptick in sick calls as essential controllers work without pay, warning flow rates could be further reduced if absences grow.
• Officials and the controllers’ union pointed to a longstanding staffing shortfall and urged travelers to check fly.faa.gov for real-time airport impacts.