Air traffic controller shortages forced flight delays on Monday night at airports serving New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, just hours after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the government shutdown could disrupt air travel. Incoming flights faced delays of nearly one hour at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and about 40 minutes at Denver International Airport. Hollywood Burbank Airport near Los Angeles reported average incoming delays of approximately two and a half hours.
The Federal Aviation Administration noted that staffing shortages were the cause of the disruptions. Controllers must work through the shutdown, but will receive payment only after it ends. Duffy warned officials would close airspace if safety concerns arose, and he reported a slight increase in sick calls from controllers since the shutdown began last week. Federal subsidies for rural flights may end by Sunday without resolution.
The Federal Aviation Administration noted that staffing shortages were the cause of the disruptions. Controllers must work through the shutdown, but will receive payment only after it ends. Duffy warned officials would close airspace if safety concerns arose, and he reported a slight increase in sick calls from controllers since the shutdown began last week. Federal subsidies for rural flights may end by Sunday without resolution.
