Air Traffic Controller Shortages Lead to Widespread Flight Delays Amid Government Shutdown

"...The growing problems, unfolding just days after the controllers missed their first full paycheck because of the shutdown, after receiving a partial paycheck two weeks ago, appeared to prompt the union representing controllers to take the rare step of endorsing one party’s preferred approach to ending the impasse...."

"...The F.A.A.’s work force of approximately 11,000 certified air traffic controllers has risen to uncommon prominence during the federal government shutdown, now the second-longest on record and entering its second month...."

"...Senior Trump administration officials have repeatedly highlighted the plight of controllers, who were already working overtime shifts to make up for severe staffing shortages before the shutdown began, and have gone unpaid through for weeks even as they are required to continue showing up to work...."

"...That combination, officials said, has left many strapped for cash and forced to take on side jobs to make ends meet, particularly since Tuesday, their first full missed payday...."

"...On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight delays would increase and that passengers’ ability to reach their destinations would become more tenuous if the shutdown continued into November, when holiday travel picks up...."

"...Those comments came two days after the head of the air traffic controllers’ union said the stresses on his members were making the nation’s air travel system 'less safe.'..."

"...The coming seasonal increase in flights and the onset of wintry weather would put additional stressors on the already overtaxed controllers at the same time as the financial crunch of the shutdown would become untenable for them, officials said...."

"...Mr. Duffy has said on multiple occasions this week that while some controllers may have enough savings to weather one missed paycheck, few would have the resources to get through a second missed check...."

"...Controllers took their message to the public this week, fanning out over a number of major airports to distribute leaflets encouraging travelers to press their congressional representatives for an end to the impasse...."

"...Mr. Daniels, who has made joint appearances with Mr. Duffy this month, has rejected suggestions that controllers would take matters into their own hands by refusing to show up for work, stressing that such collective action would be illegal...."

"...While the F.A.A. has not published a reason for Friday’s absences, experts said the spread of the delays appeared to be organic...."

"...'The impact is growing over time with more ground delay programs due to staffing,' said Michael McCormick, a professor of air traffic management at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. 'But I do not see any signs of organized activity for a slowdown.'..."