Widespread delays have occurred at major US airports due to a surge in air traffic controllers calling out of work, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ongoing US government shutdown, now entering its second month, has resulted in nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay, creating significant staffing shortages. In particular, in New York, 80% of air traffic controllers were absent, which has contributed to delays and cancellations.
The FAA has stated that the staff shortages mean reductions in the flow of air traffic are necessary to maintain safety standards, leading to about 6,000 delayed flights and nearly 500 cancellations within the US on a single day. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that many controllers live paycheck to paycheck and are under added stress due to financial worries.
Calls for Government Action
Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with attempts to pass funding legislation repeatedly failing in the Senate. Democrats are advocating for extensions to tax credits that lower health insurance costs for millions and seek to reverse recent cuts to Medicaid by President Donald Trump. The FAA has urged Congress to end the shutdown so that essential workers can resume normal pay and reduce travel disruptions.
