Overview
- FAA advisories placed Orlando International Airport under a ground delay program from 10 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday because of a lack of certified air traffic controllers.
- Average delays were roughly 161 to 180 minutes, with a maximum delay reported at 714 minutes, and some flights delayed nearly 12 hours.
- Orlando International reported continuing disruptions and urged travelers to check real‑time status, with Friday bringing improved flow but dozens of delays and cancellations still recorded.
- The FAA attributed the disruption to staffing shortages as controllers work without pay during the federal shutdown, and the controllers' union said safety requirements necessitate slowing operations.
- FAA data indicated reduced capacity across multiple U.S. control centers and parts of Canada, signaling potential ripple effects if the funding lapse persists.