FAA Halts Flights to LAX Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortage

On Sunday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a temporary ground stop for flights destined for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic control facility. The halt began at 11:42 a.m. Eastern Time, resulting in average delays of approximately one hour and 40 minutes. The FAA anticipated lifting the ground stop by 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time but indicated that some restrictions might continue.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay. He noted an increase in sick calls among controllers, stating,

"Just yesterday, ... we had 22 staffing triggers. That's one of the highest that we have seen in the system since the shutdown began. And that's a sign that the controllers are wearing thin."

The staffing shortages also affected operations at other airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Teterboro Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida, leading to additional delays and disruptions.