Air traffic control shortages worsen U.S. flight delays

A shortage of air traffic controllers could delay more flights, the Federal Aviation Administration warned Wednesday, as concerns grow about the impact of the government shutdown on U.S. aviation.

About 10,000 flights were delayed Monday and Tuesday, although disruptions fell Wednesday to just over 1,900. This week, a lack of already tight air traffic control staffing prompted the FAA to slow or halt arrivals in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee, among others.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Monday that the FAA is seeing a “slight increase” in illness calls from air traffic controllers.

The closure exacerbates concerns about pressure on air traffic controllers, whose shortage has irritated airline executives for years.

“Nearly 11,000 fully certified controllers remain on the job, many working 10-hour shifts up to six days a week, showing extraordinary dedication to safely guiding millions of passengers to their destinations – all without being paid during this shutdown,” the air traffic controllers’ union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said in a statement.

Earlier Wednesday, the FAA warned that there could be a staff trip at Newark Liberty International Airport, but that warning was lifted by the afternoon. Newark was not experiencing an influx of flight delays.

The government shutdown extended into its eighth day Wednesday as the Senate once again failed to pass a funding proposal.

During a shutdown, “essential” workers like air traffic controllers and TSA agents continue to work without pay, while many other employees are furloughed.

A more than month-long shutdown that began in late 2018 ended early the next year, hours after a shortage of air traffic controllers hampered air travel in New York.