WASHINGTON — More than 4,000 flights across the United States were delayed on Monday, with another 118 cancelled, as the 27-day government shutdown continued to upend air travel and strain critical airport operations.
The ongoing disruption stems from mounting shortages of essential personnel at airports and air traffic control facilities nationwide. On Sunday alone, more than 8,700 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware, as staffing shortfalls deepened. Roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are currently working without pay, adding pressure to an already stretched system.
The Federal Aviation Administration said staffing shortages were affecting flights across the Southeast and at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. At Los Angeles International Airport, the agency issued a ground delay that kept planes on the tarmac for an average of 25 minutes.
“They got their notice on Thursday and Friday. They get a notice of what they are going to be paid on Tuesday. And they got a big fat no paycheck is coming on Tuesday,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News on Sunday.
Duffy described the intense financial and emotional strain among federal aviation workers. “I’ve been out talking to air traffic controllers, and you can see the stress. These are people that oftentimes live paycheck to paycheck … they are concerned about gas in the car, they are concerned about childcare,” he said.
The Department of Transportation has warned that while flights continue to operate, travelers should expect persistent delays and cancellations as long as the shutdown continues. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status updates frequently and prepare for longer security lines.
Experts warn that even after the government reopens, the aviation system may take time to recover from the backlog of delays and staffing disruptions. Airport hubs across the country remain on alert for continued turbulence, with no immediate end in sight to the federal impasse. (Source: IANS)
