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21m ago

Shutdown Triggers Third Day of Flight Delays as Controller Shortages Spread

Controllers required to work without pay are reporting more sick calls, prompting FAA traffic reductions to preserve safety.

An American Eagle plane takes off from Hollywood Burbank Airport on Monday in Burbank, Calif. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated the airport had no air traffic controllers in its tower amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
A commercial airliner takes off past the air traffic control tower at San Diego International Airport during the first day of a partial U.S. government shutdown in San Diego, California, U.S., October 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake
A dark and unstaffed air traffic control tower is seen at the Hollywood Burbank Airport amid the US government shutdown
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Overview

  • FAA reports staffing shortfalls at airports including Nashville, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and at control centers in Atlanta and Dallas–Fort Worth, with temporary ground delays implemented.
  • Newark faces an expected staffing trigger to limit flights on Wednesday after earlier delays at Denver, Phoenix, Burbank and Newark earlier in the week.
  • Hollywood Burbank’s tower was closed for several hours Monday, with San Diego TRACON handling operations remotely and average delays around two and a half hours.
  • Flight delays climbed to more than 6,000 on Monday and topped 3,000 on Tuesday, according to FlightAware, as the agency slows takeoffs and landings when staffing falls.
  • NATCA urged controllers to remain on duty while warning the system is thinly staffed, and officials cautioned strain could deepen next week when paychecks are missed and as Essential Air Service funding nears depletion on Sunday.