The United States government shutdown has entered its second week, causing widespread flight delays at multiple airports across the country on Monday, October 6th. The shortage of air traffic control personnel in the Department of Transportation is being attributed to the delays.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the government shutdown and factors such as sick leave have resulted in insufficient air traffic control staffing, affecting flight operations at airports including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Hollywood Burbank, leading to frequent delays.
Data from the flight tracking website FlightAware shows that on Monday, there were over 5,500 delayed flights nationwide, with a delay rate of 32% at Denver Airport, 22% at Newark, and 15% at Burbank. Additionally, weather conditions also played a role in impacting flight schedules.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that staffing shortages are the main reason for flight delays, with air traffic control personnel in some regions experiencing a 50% reduction in manpower since the government shutdown. Although approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers were considered essential and not placed on furlough during the shutdown, their salary payments remain uncertain. Additionally, around 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees continue to work without pay, with the next payday set for October 14th.
Duffy noted that many controllers are concerned about working without pay and some are considering part-time jobs to supplement their income. If absentee numbers continue to rise, the FAA will reduce the number of flights to ensure safety within manageable limits.
He called for a swift end to the government shutdown, posting on Twitter: “It’s time for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries to stop playing games and reopen the government.”
The Transportation Secretary also mentioned that even without the shutdown starting on October 1st, air traffic controllers in the United States were already under significant stress. Due to the ongoing shortage of trained personnel, many controllers have been forced to work overtime and six days a week.
Duffy and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) President Nick Daniels held a press conference at Newark Airport earlier to discuss the impact of the government shutdown. Daniels emphasized the union’s stance on ending the shutdown, stating, “We don’t have the luxury of time. We cannot afford to be distracted by the unnecessary disruptions caused by the shutdown. So our demand is clear – end the shutdown.”
The union reminded controllers that participating in strikes or protests could be illegal and could result in dismissal by the federal government, emphasizing the importance of providing consistent high-quality public service.
On Monday evening, the U.S. Senate once again rejected bipartisan government funding bills, leading the government shutdown stalemate into its seventh day.
The U.S. government previously shut down for 35 days in 2019, during which the lack of pay for controllers and TSA employees led to increased absenteeism, causing extended wait times at airport security checkpoints. Authorities were forced to slow air traffic in the New York area, prompting legislators to swiftly end the standoff.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed out during the 2019 shutdown that the government closure had pushed airspace to the brink of collapse.
The Airlines for America, representing United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, warned that during a funding lapse, “operations may need to be slowed, potentially reducing efficiency,” which could impact travelers.