- Staffing Shortage and Overtime: Air traffic controllers are working mandatory overtime without pay amidst an existing shortage of about 3,000 staff.
- Widespread Flight Delays: Major airports like Newark, Dallas, Austin, and Los Angeles experienced significant staffing-related flight delays and ground stops.
- Government Shutdown Impact: The federal government shutdown is directly causing financial distress for controllers and is linked to increased sick calls, compromising system reliability.
- Union and Airport Response: The controllers’ union is organizing public outreach about the safety risks, while airports are providing localized support like food donations.
A persistent shortage of air traffic controllers exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown led to widespread flight delays and disruptions across the United States. As the shutdown approaches one month, air traffic controllers are now facing their first full missing paycheck, compounding the stress of their highly demanding roles.
On a recent Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing-related delays averaging about 20 minutes in Dallas and approximately 40 minutes at both Newark Liberty International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. A brief ground stop was issued in Austin due to these issues. Further warnings were issued regarding potential staffing problems at an FAA facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the disruptions, which included brief delays at major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), are a sign that the workforce is “wearing thin.” Many controllers are reportedly calling in sick as they cope with financial stress and mandatory six-day work weeks without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) confirmed that most controllers are working mandatory overtime, with the overall controller workforce already experiencing a significant shortage of about 3,000 workers.
In response to the crisis, union members planned to leaflet passengers at major airports to raise awareness of how the shutdown is impacting the national aviation system’s safety and its workers. Meanwhile, some U.S. airports have initiated efforts to provide food donations and other support to unpaid federal aviation employees, including controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.