Federal Shutdown Fallout: Over 8,000 U.S. Flights Delayed As Air Traffic Controller Shortages Worsen
More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the United States on Sunday, as a federal government shutdown reached its 26th day and air traffic controller absences continued to severely disrupt air travel.
The soaring delay figures—an increase from about 5,300 on Saturday—come as thousands of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are being forced to work without pay due to the budget deadlock.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that additional shortages were expected, potentially leading to more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead. He stated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) experienced air traffic control staffing issues, or “triggers,” at 22 locations on Saturday, calling the figure “one of the highest that we’ve seen in the system” since the shutdown began on October 1.
“That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” Duffy said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” program.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than 8,000 U.S. flight delays were reported by 11 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Major airlines bore the brunt of the disruption:
- Southwest Airlines saw 45%, or 2,000 flights, delayed.
- American Airlines had nearly 1,200 delays, or one-third of its flights.
- United Airlines reported a 24% delay rate, affecting 739 flights.
- Delta Air Lines delayed 610 flights, or 17%.
The FAA issued ground delay programs on Sunday due to staffing shortages at major hubs including Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Washington’s Reagan National Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, following an earlier ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport that was later lifted.
The situation is being closely watched as a potential pressure point on lawmakers to resolve the budget stalemate, as the disruptions directly impact the lives of millions of Americans.
The Trump administration has warned that flight disruptions are likely to increase as controllers approach Tuesday, when they are scheduled to miss their first full paycheck for work completed during the shutdown period.
Duffy noted that controllers, already facing a shortage of approximately 3,500 staff members and working mandatory overtime before the shutdown, are now “taking second jobs, they’re out there looking” for other sources of income. A similar trend of rising absences and extended wait times occurred during a 35-day shutdown in 2019, which forced authorities to slow air traffic in New York and Washington.
The budget impasse pits Democrats against Republicans, who have been criticized for opposing a “clean” short-term funding bill.
READ MORE: Federal Workers’ Union Urges ‘Clean’ Funding Bill To End Shutdown, Undercutting Schumer
READ MORE: Congressional Tensions Escalate As Shutdown Nears One Month; Union Demands Immediate End
TAMPA FREE PRESS
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.