Flights delayed at some U.S. airports amid shortage of air traffic controllers

Airports across the United States, including Denver, Newark, New Jersey, and Burbank, California, faced flight delays on Monday due to shortages of air traffic controllers, according to federal flight data. Federal officials have identified more air traffic control facilities with low staffing levels in recent days than they have since the summer of 2022, during the post-COVID travel surge that led to widespread delays and cancellations.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has exacerbated the shortage of air traffic controllers at some airports. Flights into Hollywood Burbank Airport, serving Los Angeles, experienced delays until 1 a.m. on Tuesday, with average delays reaching 2.5 hours. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the absence of air traffic controllers at the airport in a social media post.

To manage the shortage of air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduces the number of takeoffs and landings to maintain safety and prevent overwhelming the on-duty personnel. However, this can result in flight delays and cancellations. On Monday, nearly 6,000 flights were delayed in the U.S., with significant percentages of delays at airports like Chicago’s O’Hare International and Hollywood Burbank. Weather conditions also contributed to flight delays on that day.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing air traffic controllers, instructed its members to continue working during the government shutdown despite not receiving pay. NATCA emphasized the fragility of the aviation system due to the national shortage of air traffic controllers and called for expedited training and hiring to address the staffing issues.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged a slight increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick since the start of the shutdown, leading to concerns about safety and potential delays. The TSA is monitoring sick calls to ensure a safe flow of air traffic for passengers.

The aviation industry faced similar challenges during the previous government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, which resulted in widespread flight delays. As the current shutdown continues, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact on air travel and address staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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