Post by : Rameen Ariff

Flight delays across the United States worsened on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day, with airports and air traffic control centers struggling due to staffing shortages.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported delays at airports in Nashville, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as at control centers in Atlanta and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In some cases, the FAA temporarily slowed takeoffs to maintain safety.

Delays were also reported on Monday at airports in Burbank, California, Newark, New Jersey, and Denver, highlighting ongoing problems caused by the shutdown that began on October 1.

Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt warned that disruptions could continue to grow, potentially affecting holiday travel in November. “If the government remains shut down, it could disrupt millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving plans,” he said.

The shutdown has forced federal employees deemed critical, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, to work without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said more controllers are calling out sick, which has reduced the number of takeoffs and landings, causing flight delays and cancellations.

At Hollywood Burbank Airport, for example, a control tower closed for several hours, leading to average delays of two-and-a-half hours. Pilots were even told directly over the radio: “The tower is closed due to staffing.”

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the shutdown highlighted the ongoing challenge of operating with limited staff and outdated equipment. “There’s no backup staff available, and you have to be certified for each facility,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Johnny Jones, representing TSA screeners, said workers are struggling to manage personal bills while working without pay. Some officers have called in sick, though current numbers have not yet caused major airport disruptions.

Airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Tampa International Airport are providing support to employees, including food vouchers, free transportation, and help with utility bills, to keep operations running during the shutdown.

Aviation unions and U.S. airlines are urging lawmakers to reopen the government soon to prevent further flight delays and staff shortages.

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