Air traffic operations continue to face significant disruptions across the U.S. as a staffing shortage impacts numerous airports. This situation stems from the ongoing government shutdown, which has now reached its seventh day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed in a notice that flight delays are being reported at major airports, including Nashville and Newark.
Delays at Major Airports
Due to staffing shortages, arriving flights at Newark are experiencing holds of up to 30 minutes. Nashville’s air traffic control is particularly affected, with operations expected to be curtailed later today. To assist, the Memphis Center will manage approach control in Nashville.
Impact on Chicago and Atlanta
The situation at Chicago O’Hare is also critical. The FAA has reported reductions in the number of arriving flights per hour, resulting in average delays of 41 minutes. Staffing problems have additionally been noted at the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center.
Flight Delays Statistics
- More than 2,500 flights delayed on Tuesday.
- Approximately 200 flights delayed at Nashville, equating to 20% of its operations.
- Close to 500 flights delayed at Chicago O’Hare, representing over 15% of total flights.
Staffing Issues and Government Shutdown
Despite being required to work during the shutdown, about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will not receive pay. A partial paycheck is expected on October 14 for the work completed before the shutdown began. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy remarked that there has been a slight increase in sick leave among controllers, leading to a 50% reduction in staffing in some regions since the shutdown commenced.
In light of the staffing crisis, Duffy emphasized, “If we don’t have controllers, we’re going to make sure the airspace is safe. So what we do is we’ll slow traffic.” This statement highlights the FAA’s approach to maintaining safety in the airspace during such challenges.
Historical Context
Looking back, a similar shutdown in 2019 resulted in a surge of absences among air traffic controllers and TSA officers, primarily due to missed paychecks. This also led to extended wait times at various checkpoints and air traffic slowdowns in busy regions like New York, which ultimately pressured lawmakers to resolve the impasse quickly.
The ongoing staffing shortages emphasize the need for swift government action to alleviate these delays and restore normalcy to air travel.
