Overview
- The FAA declared an air emergency and John F. Kennedy International Airport suspended departures for about 90 minutes because of a shortage of air traffic controllers.
- Arrivals at JFK were capped at 36 per hour, and flights bound for New York were held at their origin to manage congestion.
- Newark Liberty and LaGuardia logged significant delays, with strong winds compounding the staffing strain across the region.
- The FAA reported delays at other major U.S. airports, as controllers work unpaid with mandatory overtime after a month without pay.
- Vice President J.D. Vance, following meetings with airline chiefs, warned of a potential holiday travel breakdown if the shutdown continues.