How is the US government shutdown affecting airports?
Asked 4 hours ago
Answer
The US government shutdown is causing major delays and disruptions at airports nationwide due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA workers. Passengers face multi-hour waits, some spending nights in terminals. The FAA has temporarily halted landings at some airports, and the situation is expected to worsen during holidays. Employees are working without pay, increasing stress and absenteeism, and major airlines are offering support to affected federal workers.
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U.S. airports see major delays amid shutdown staffing shortages
- Passengers at U.S. airports are facing long delays, with some flights postponed by several hours. 4s
- Major airports such as Boston, JFK, and Newark are experiencing delays ranging from over an hour to nearly three hours. 22s
- The FAA attributes the delays to a shortage of air traffic controllers due to a government shutdown that has lasted 32 days. 31s
- 13,000 air traffic controllers have missed a full paycheck, leading to increased stress and more sick calls. 38s
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that holiday travel could see even worse disruptions if the shutdown continues. 1m 3s
References
Passengers face long delays, with some spending the night in terminals. The FAA blames a shortage of air traffic controllers due to the government shutdown, now 32 days long, with 13,000 controllers missing paychecks. Delays exceed two hours in Boston, nearly three at JFK, and over an hour at Newark. Transportation Secretary warns holiday travel could be worse.
At least 11 airports report ground delays. Nashville, Boston, JFK, and Newark see delays from over an hour to nearly three hours. The FAA warns Orlando nearly had to turn away flights due to staffing. Some travelers delayed over four hours. The situation is expected to deteriorate during holidays.
Staffing is so limited that the FAA briefly halted landings at Orlando. Delays and cancellations are happening nationwide, not just in Florida. Both air traffic controllers and TSA workers are working without pay, and major airlines are providing food assistance to affected employees.
Over 13,000 flights delayed recently due to air traffic control staffing shortages. Transportation Secretary expresses concern about impacts on operations and future recruitment. Union representatives and officials call for an end to the shutdown to restore normalcy.
