The US Federal Aviation Administration reported that staffing shortages caused delays at several airports such as Newark and Denver on Monday. This announcement came shortly after the top US transportation official noted a slight increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick since the government shutdown began.
During the shutdown, around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are required to work without pay. They are expected to miss their first paycheck on October 14.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that air traffic staffing has been reduced by up to 50% in certain areas since the shutdown commenced last week.
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The FAA acknowledged that air traffic control staffing challenges affect flights at numerous airports including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank. According to FlightAware, over 4,000 flights in the US faced delays on Monday, with 29% of arriving flights at Denver, 19% at Newark, and 15% at Las Vegas affected. Weather conditions also contributed to these delays.
President Donald Trump has highlighted transportation in the government shutdown discussions with Democrats, withholding over $28 billion in aid for climate programs, subways, tunnels, and mass transit systems in Democratic-leaning states like New York and Illinois.
Duffy indicated that delays would persist due to reduced staffing and warned that increased sick calls could further reduce air traffic flow to maintain safety.
Duffy and the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association held a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport to address the shutdown’s impact. Newark is a major hub for United Airlines and serves the New York metropolitan area, known for its Democratic-leaning populace.
Duffy expressed concerns that controllers are anxious, questioning whether they’ll receive paychecks and considering second jobs like driving for Uber despite an already demanding workload.
The union reminded workers on Monday that participating in any job action could lead to removal from federal service and emphasized its illegality.
“It’s crucial that we maintain our high level of public service,” the union advised. “Avoid actions that could negatively reflect on you, our union, or our professions.”
In 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, increased controller and TSA absences led to longer checkpoint wait times and slowed air traffic in New York, pressuring lawmakers to end the stalemate.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, remarked that the shutdown was “pushing our airspace to the breaking point.”
The Airlines for America trade group, representing United, Delta, American, and Southwest Airlines, cautioned that a funding lapse could slow the system, affecting efficiency and travelers.
A persistent shortage of air traffic controllers has delayed flights, with many working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. The FAA is short about 3,500 controllers from its target staffing levels.
