Air travellers across the United States faced mounting flight delays and disruptions on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day.
Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and airport security officers led to bottlenecks at major airports, with union leaders warning the situation could deteriorate further in the coming days.
Airports Across the Country Affected
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed staffing issues at airports in Nashville, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as at air traffic control centres in Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. The agency said it had to slow down takeoffs of flights bound for the affected cities to maintain safety standards.
On Monday, similar delays were reported at Burbank (California), Newark (New Jersey), and Denver airports, all tied to personnel shortages caused by the ongoing shutdown that began on October 1.
Experts Warn of Escalating Disruptions
Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt cautioned that the aviation system is becoming increasingly fragile.
He was quoted in a news agency as saying, “The risk of significant disruptions to the U.S. aviation system is growing by the day.”
He warned that if the shutdown persists, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving travel plans could be at risk.
“I’m gravely concerned that if the government remains shut down, then it could disrupt—and possibly ruin—millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays,” he added.
Controllers Calling In Sick
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Monday that there has already been a rise in air traffic controllers calling out sick. With fewer controllers available, the FAA must reduce the number of takeoffs and landings, which triggers a domino effect of delays and cancellations.
At Hollywood Burbank Airport, the control tower had to shut down for several hours on Monday afternoon due to staff shortages, leading to average delays of about 2.5 hours.
According to reports, when a pilot radioed the tower, a recorded exchange on LiveATC.net revealed the chilling reply: “The tower is closed due to staffing.”
‘There Aren’t Enough Controllers’
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, was quoted in media reports and said the shutdown has exposed deep cracks in the system.
“It’s not like we have other controllers that can suddenly come to that facility and staff them. There’s not enough people there,” Daniels said.
He added that many smaller airports are already running on limited staff, with no overtime allowed and no backup workers who can step in without certification.
Daniels warned that once payday arrives next week and controllers receive no paychecks, the strain will worsen.
“When people don’t have money, they have time to start making life choices and life decisions,” he said.
The union leader also said it’s unfair to expect air traffic controllers to stay focused while working unpaid: “That’s not reality, and it shouldn’t be put on our backs. It’s completely unfair that an air traffic controller is the one holding the burden of this political process.”
TSA Workers Under Pressure
Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees representing TSA workers, said the mood among security screeners is anxious.
“The employees are struggling. They’re assessing what they need to do and how this is all going to work out,” he said.
Jones added that TSA officers are grappling with questions like, “How are we going to pay our bills? How are we going to pay for childcare or mortgages?”
While some TSA officers have called in sick, Jones said the numbers so far are not large enough to cause major delays.
Airports and Unions Step Up Support
Aviation unions and airlines are urging lawmakers to end the shutdown swiftly. Meanwhile, airports across the country are trying to support unpaid federal workers.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, TSA workers were offered $15 food vouchers and free parking.
In Tampa, Florida, airport officials launched “Operation Bald Eagle 2”, aimed at helping the 11,000 unpaid federal employees working there. The program includes a food pantry, free bus rides, and a utility assistance program to keep workers’ lights on.
John Tiliacos, chief operating officer of Tampa International Airport, said, “Whatever we can do to make life a little easier for these federal employees that allows them to continue coming to work and focus on keeping our airport operational, that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
Tiliacos added that the airport’s proactive efforts during the 2018–2019 shutdown helped prevent the kind of widespread chaos seen elsewhere.
A System Under Strain
With no end to the shutdown in sight, travellers are being warned to expect more delays and cancellations. Union leaders say that without pay or relief, it’s only a matter of time before the system—already stretched thin—faces a breaking point.
