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.