Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the federal government shutdown, have led to widespread flight delays and cancellations at US airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working unpaid and stated it has reduced air traffic flow to maintain safety. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that flights would be cancelled across national airspace to ensure safety. A ground stop was issued at Newark Airport, a major New York hub, resulting in average delays exceeding three hours.
Impact on Air Travel
Delays and Cancellations
On Saturday, approximately 4,500 flights within the US were delayed and over 500 were cancelled, according to FlightAware data. Half of the 30 major airports in the US are experiencing staff shortages. The FAA stated that these shortages necessitate reduced air traffic flow, which may lead to further delays or cancellations.
Specific Airport Incidents
A ground stop was implemented at Newark Airport on Sunday morning. The FAA reported that average delays at Newark exceeded three hours and could continue until Monday. In New York, approximately 80% of air traffic controllers were absent over the weekend, according to the FAA.
Air Traffic Controller Status
Unpaid Work Requirements
Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for the past month as the government shutdown entered its second month. Air traffic controllers, along with other essential federal workers such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, are required to work without compensation during the shutdown.
Statements from Officials
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Sunday that the aviation agency would take necessary steps to ensure traveler safety. He also commented that assigning multiple roles to controllers injects a level of risk into the system. Duffy reported that air traffic controllers were under stress while working without pay. He noted that controllers' financial situations, with some potentially being the sole income earners in their households, could lead them to seek alternative employment instead of working without pay.
The FAA has called on lawmakers to end the shutdown to allow workers to receive pay and to prevent further travel disruptions.
Legislative Standoff
Lawmakers remain at an impasse regarding government funding. A Republican-led bill to fund the government has failed to pass the Senate over a dozen times. Democrats are seeking to extend tax credits to reduce health insurance costs for millions of Americans and reverse cuts to Medicaid, a government healthcare program used by millions of elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals, as conditions for re-opening the government.