The U.S. aviation system is under mounting strain as the government shutdown continues for a seventh day, leading to widespread flight delays caused by staffing shortages among federal aviation workers.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thousands of flights were delayed on Tuesday, with the most severe disruptions at Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, and Newark airports. In Chicago, arrival delays averaged more than 40 minutes, while Nashville operations were partially shifted to Memphis to compensate for staff shortages.
At Hollywood Burbank Airport in California, the control tower went unmanned for several hours, forcing some pilots to delay takeoff or hold in the air.
Despite the disruptions, flight tracking data from Cirium shows that about 92% of U.S. flights still departed on time Tuesday afternoon — but aviation officials warn that performance may worsen if the shutdown drags on.
Why It’s Happening
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Unpaid essential workers: Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are still required to work but aren’t being paid, increasing fatigue and absenteeism.
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Rising sick calls: Stress and financial strain are leading more workers to call out sick.
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Preexisting staffing gaps: Even before the shutdown, the FAA was operating below ideal staffing levels.
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Small airports hit hardest: Facilities with minimal staffing have little backup capacity, making them vulnerable to sudden shortages.
One pilot departing from Burbank reportedly heard over the radio: “The tower is closed due to staffing.” It’s a rare and alarming statement for any commercial flight operation.
The Broader Impact
Aviation unions and industry experts warn that delays could snowball if the shutdown continues, especially with major holiday travel seasons approaching.
Some airports have begun offering food assistance, parking passes, and support programs for unpaid staff. In Tampa, “Operation Bald Eagle 2” was launched to help affected federal workers during the crisis.
The FAA has stated it may implement ground stops or flight restrictions if staffing levels fall below safety standards — a move that could further disrupt national air travel.
For now, the message to travelers is clear: expect longer lines, slower service, and potential last-minute flight changes as the shutdown’s ripple effects spread across the country.
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