Staffing Shortages Cause More US flight Delays As Government Shutdown Reaches Seventh Day
Staffing shortages at airports nationwide worsened Tuesday as the federal government shutdown entered its second week, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to slow takeoffs and triggering new flight delays from Boston to Dallas.
Union leaders for air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers warned the situation could rapidly deteriorate as thousands of federal workers continue working without pay.
FAA Reports Growing Staffing Gaps
The FAA cited staffing shortages at major airports in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as its regional control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area. To maintain safety, the agency temporarily slowed takeoffs for flights heading into the first three cities.
Similar problems hit airports in Burbank, Newark, and Denver on Monday. At Hollywood Burbank Airport, the control tower was forced to shut down for several hours after staffing collapsed, delaying flights by an average of two and a half hours.
“When there aren’t enough controllers, the FAA must reduce the number of takeoffs and landings,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “That’s the reality.”
‘Not Enough People There’
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the crisis has laid bare the agency’s chronic understaffing and reliance on outdated systems.
“It’s not like we have other controllers that can suddenly come to that facility and staff them,” Daniels said. “There’s no overtime, and you have to be certified in that facility.”
Daniels warned that the situation could spiral once workers miss their first paycheck next week. “It’s completely unfair that air traffic controllers are the ones holding the burden while this political process drags on,” he said.
TSA Officers Feeling the Pressure
TSA officers are also working without pay, and some have begun calling in sick. Johnny Jones, a TSA veteran and union leader, said many are worried about paying mortgages and child support.
“The employees are struggling,” Jones said. “They’re assessing what they need to do and how this is all going to work out.”
Though sick calls haven’t yet caused major disruptions, Jones warned that conditions are deteriorating daily.
Airports Step In to Support Workers
Airports and unions are stepping up to help. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is giving unpaid federal workers $15 food vouchers and free parking. Tampa International Airport has launched “Operation Bald Eagle 2,” providing food pantries, free bus rides, and even help keeping utilities on for roughly 1,100 federal employees working without pay.
“Whatever we can do to make life a little easier for these federal employees,” said Tampa COO John Tiliacos, “that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
Growing Fears for Holiday Travel
Analyst Henry Harteveldt warned the shutdown could cripple travel during the holiday season if it persists. “If the government remains shut down, it could ruin millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays,” he said.
As the shutdown drags past a week, both unions and airlines are pleading for Congress to act, warning that the nation’s aviation system, already stretched thin from federal cuts, can’t fly on autopilot much longer.
