hollywood burbank airport

Burbank Airport Experiences Disruptions as⁤ Air Traffic Control Tower Goes‌ Unstaffed ​During Government shutdown

Hollywood Burbank Airport experienced important flight delays and cancellations Monday‌ due to ​an unstaffed air traffic control tower, a outcome ⁤of the ongoing government‌ shutdown stemming⁣ from the impasse between Democrats and Republicans. ‍The tower was without personnel ⁤from⁢ 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.,according to FAA spokesperson Kristen Alsop.

The staffing ⁤shortage ⁢is occurring as air traffic controllers⁤ work without pay during the shutdown. Transportation secretary Sean Duffy reported a slight increase in air traffic control workers calling in‍ sick.As of 5 p.m.,outgoing flights at the airport were delayed‍ by an average of⁢ two ⁣hours and 31 minutes,with⁢ the longest delay reaching three ⁢hours⁢ and 55 minutes,attributed to both staffing shortages and ongoing‌ runway construction. By 6:30 p.m., the airport ​reported 25 arrival delays, 17 departure delays, ⁢seven arrival cancellations, and five departure cancellations, ⁢as stated by airport spokesperson ​Mike Christensen.

Despite the unmanned tower, air traffic flow was ⁤maintained by Southern ⁢California TRACON,​ a San Diego-based FAA institution ⁢utilizing radar​ technology to​ manage⁣ airspace around numerous Southern California ‍airports.

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly‌ criticized President‌ trump,‌ stating via X (formerly Twitter), ⁤”Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because‌ of‍ YOUR government shutdown.”

The‌ National Air traffic ‌Controllers Assn. (NATCA) ⁤highlighted the situation as evidence of the fragility of the aviation system given a pre-existing national shortage of air traffic controllers. The union​ emphasized the urgent need to accelerate training and hiring, ⁢noting that nearly 11,000 controllers are currently working without pay, many working extended ​shifts – up to ⁢six days a week with 10-hour days.‌ NATCA‍ stated it is indeed collaborating with the ⁤FAA to minimize disruptions and advocate for increased hiring.

The FAA confirmed that delays⁣ were ​also occurring ‍at other airports nationwide, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Harry Reid International Airport in ‌las Vegas. Monday marked the sixth day of the government‌ shutdown, impacting‍ hundreds‍ of thousands of federal employees through furloughs or unpaid work, and⁣ leading⁣ to suspensions or ‌reductions in agency⁢ operations.