U.S. Warns It May Slow or Halt Flights as Shutdown Drains Air-Traffic Staffing
The transportation secretary says controller shortages tied to the shutdown now account for roughly 53% of delays.
Overview
- Flight delays have surged nationwide this week, with more than 4,000 flights delayed Monday, according to FlightAware.
- The Transportation Department estimates the system is short roughly 2,000 air traffic controllers during the funding lapse.
- FAA alerts cited staffing gaps at major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Houston and Las Vegas, with delays reaching about 2.5 hours in Dallas, Chicago, Memphis and Nashville.
- A control tower in Burbank, California reportedly went nearly six hours without staff, and Nashville’s facility temporarily shut due to absences.
- Controllers are designated essential workers without assured pay during the shutdown, with about 13,200 slated to receive a last paycheck on Oct. 14, a pressure point officials link to rising sick leave.