Airports across the United States are facing massive delays and cancellations as air traffic controllers struggle under growing stress from the record-breaking government shutdown.
With thousands of flights disrupted and staffing shortages worsening, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that the crisis could deepen if the shutdown continues.
According to FlightAware, a US-based flight tracking service, over 16,700 flights were delayed and 2,282 cancelled between Friday and Sunday. The disruption extended into Monday evening, affecting more than 4,000 flights and causing over 600 cancellations across major airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, and Newark.
The FAA confirmed on social media platform X that half of its “Core 30” facilities — the busiest airports in the country — were reporting staff shortages. In New York City’s airports, absences among air traffic controllers have reportedly reached 80 percent.
FAA: “Shutdown must end to protect travellers”
Air traffic controllers, nearly 13,000 nationwide, are considered essential workers, meaning they must continue working without pay during the shutdown, which began on October 1.
However, mounting fatigue and financial strain have led to a rise in absences. The FAA said it was forced to reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.
“The shutdown must end so that these controllers receive the pay they’ve earned and travellers can avoid further disruptions and delays,” the FAA posted on X.
“When staffing shortages occur, we reduce air traffic flow to maintain safety. This may result in delays or cancellations.”
Transportation secretary: “Delays to continue to keep system safe”
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy addressed the issue on Face the Nation, saying that flight delays are necessary to maintain public safety.
“We work overtime to make sure the system is safe,” he said. “You’ll see delays, you’ll have flights cancelled, but safety comes first.”
Duffy added that many air traffic controllers are taking second jobs to support their families, emphasizing he would not penalize them for doing so.
“When they’re making decisions to feed their families, I’m not going to fire air traffic controllers,” Duffy said.
The government shutdown is now entering its 35th day, tying the record set during the 2018–2019 shutdown. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, an estimated 670,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while 730,000 are working without pay.
The prolonged shutdown has disrupted not only aviation but also public services and essential operations across multiple sectors.
