Air traffic controller staffing shortages were to blame for widespread flight delays and disruptions across the U.S. over the weekend, as the U.S. federal government shutdown stretched into its fourth week. According to CNN, the FAA reported more than 50 ATC staffing shortfalls since Friday, impacting operations from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.
On Sunday morning, Los Angeles International Airport saw a temporary ground stop due to low ATC staffing, the Associated Press reported. While flights eventually resumed, delays at LAX and several other major airports rippled through the national system.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that the FAA had recorded 22 “staffing triggers” the previous day, one of the highest figures since the shutdown began on Oct. 1.
“That’s a sign that the controllers are wearing thin,” he said.
The agency has reported more than 260 ATC staffing issues across FAA facilities since the start of the month—more than four times the number during the same period last year, according to CNN. Shortages also disrupted flights at Newark Liberty International, Teterboro, and Southwest Florida International airports. By noon Sunday, similar shortfalls were noted in Chicago-area facilities, USA Today reported.
Roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are continuing to work without pay as lawmakers remain at an impasse over a federal budget. The FAA is currently short about 3,500 controllers from its target staffing levels, with many working mandatory overtime or six-day weeks even before the shutdown. Although employees are expected to receive backpay once the funding lapse ends, many are feeling the strain in the meantime.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said in a statement that “with each passing day, controllers become more distracted by the risk of receiving a zero-dollar paycheck.”
Despite the ongoing ATC staffing issues, officials maintain that flight operations remain safe—but passengers should expect continued delays as the system adjusts to reduced staffing.
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