Widespread flight delays have hit U.S. airports due to severe shortages of air traffic controllers working without pay amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Nearly 13,000 controllers continue to oversee the nation’s airspace while not receiving compensation as the shutdown stretches into its second month.
Newark Liberty International Airport, a key hub serving the New York metropolitan area, remains under a ground stop that began Sunday morning, with average delays exceeding three hours extending into Monday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that about half of the nation’s 30 busiest airports are experiencing staffing shortfalls, forcing officials to reduce flight throughput to preserve safety.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that these shortages may lead to widespread flight cancellations nationwide as maintaining safety requires limiting the number of active flights. Air traffic controllers are working under tremendous strain, often logging overtime hours and juggling financial burdens without pay. Many face tough choices, balancing work responsibilities against essential needs like family support, sometimes taking second jobs to make ends meet.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel similarly continue to work unpaid, contributing to longer wait times at security checkpoints. Industry data showed around 4,500 delayed flights and more than 500 cancellations on Saturday alone.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked, with a Republican-backed clean government funding bill repeatedly failing in the Senate, while Democrats demand extending health insurance tax credits tied to reopening the government. Transportation and aviation unions have urged prompt resolution, warning that sustained disruptions could reach critical levels, worsening travel conditions especially as the holiday season approaches.
