The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant disruptions in air travel across the United States. With air traffic controller shortages leading to widespread flight delays, major US airports are suffering the most. A “Misery Map” created by Flight Aware provides a clear picture of the impact at 17 key airports since October 30.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on US Airports
The shutdown, which began on October 1, has resulted in air traffic controllers working without pay. This situation has forced many controllers to call out, further straining operations and leading to hundreds of delays nationwide. As of last Friday, over 9,000 flight delays and 650 cancellations had occurred across the US. Over 2,800 of these delays happened before 4 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Major Delays at Key Airports
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport: 153 delays
- Los Angeles International Airport: 83 delays
- Denver International Airport: 86 delays
Airports in the New York metro area, including LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, have reported some of the highest cancellation rates relative to scheduled flights.
Ongoing Challenges for Air Traffic Controllers
As the FAA reports, nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without compensation for weeks. These individuals are responsible for managing over 50,000 daily operations across the national airspace system.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has emphasized the need for federal employees to maintain operational capacity despite the protests arising from the shutdown. Nick Daniels, NATCA’s president, has called for lawmakers to take action to resolve the issue by passing a short-term spending bill.
Response from the FAA and NATCA
On Friday, the FAA issued a statement regarding the staffing crisis. It highlighted the urgency of ending the government shutdown to ensure air traffic controllers receive their due pay and to minimize further airport disruptions.
NATCA also urged its members to uphold a high standard of public service during these trying times. Daniels has voiced that immediate congressional action is necessary to restore stability and safety for travelers and airline staff alike.
The situation at US airports remains fluid, and travelers are encouraged to stay updated on flight statuses as disruptions continue. The fifth consecutive weekend of the shutdown may bring further challenges to air travel as controllers work tirelessly to manage the nation’s skies.
