Flight disruptions Mount as Air Traffic Controller Shortage Worsens During Shutdown
WASHINGTON – Travelers are facing increasing flight delays adn cancellations nationwide as the ongoing government shutdown strains the nation’s air traffic control system.The disruptions come as controllers, working without pay, report increased stress and sick calls, exacerbating an existing staffing shortage.
Representative Sean Duffy predicted these issues, stating that travelers would likely see more flights delayed and canceled as the shutdown continues. On a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy noted a rise in controllers calling in sick due to financial worries and the pressures of the job.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the world’s busiest, experienced brief delays Monday following a two-hour ground stop Sunday attributed to a controller shortage. According to aviation analytics firm cirium, approximately 72% of flights scheduled to depart LAX on Sunday did so within 15 minutes of their scheduled times.
The National Air Traffic Controllers association (NATCA) reports that most controllers are working mandatory six-day weeks with overtime during the shutdown, without pay. This limits opportunities for supplemental income unless controllers take sick leave.
NATCA members are scheduled to distribute leaflets to passengers at major airports, including those in New York City and Atlanta, on Tuesday to raise awareness about the shutdown’s negative impact on the aviation system and its workers. This action coincides with controllers receiving their first full paycheck impacted by the shutdown.
Some airports, such as Las Vegas, are providing food donations and other support to affected federal aviation employees, including controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents.
Prior to the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already faced a meaningful staffing deficit, with approximately 3,000 fewer air traffic controllers than needed. NATCA President Nick Daniels stated the agency had reached its lowest staffing levels in decades, at just 10,800 controllers.The shutdown is now nearing the one-month mark.
