Flight Delays Continue as Government Shutdown Affects Air Traffic Controllers

Mon Nov 03 2025 08:47:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ongoing flight delays at major U.S. airports due to air traffic controller shortages exacerbated by a protracted government shutdown. Newark Airport sees significant disruptions.

As the government shutdown stretches into its second month, U.S. airports, particularly Newark, are experiencing extensive flight delays, causing ripple effects across the region. Travelers are advised to check their flight statuses and anticipate longer waiting times. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to staff shortages. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasizes the need for financial support for controllers as the situation may worsen with ongoing budget conflicts.

Flight delays continued at U.S. airports Sunday amid air traffic controller shortages as the government shutdown entered its second month, with Newark airport in New Jersey experiencing delays of two to three hours.

New York City’s Emergency Management office reported that Newark delays often affect regional airports.

“Travelers flying to, from or through New York should expect schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections. Anyone flying today should check flight status before heading to the airport,” they added.

Major delays have been reported at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare, along with significant airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that travelers will face increasing disruptions the longer controllers do not receive pay: “We will slow traffic down; you’ll see delays and cancellations to ensure safety,” he stated during Sunday’s CBS “Face the Nation.”

He also expressed his support for the controllers, stating he would not fire those who don’t show up, emphasizing their need for financial stability.

Earlier in October, Duffy had previously threatened that controllers calling in sick to avoid working unpaid during the shutdown could risk termination. Even a small number missing work due to the ongoing financial strain can lead to significant impacts as the FAA already faces a shortage of about 3,000 controllers.

The FAA confirmed that approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay, leading to staffing challenges at both regional centers and individual airport towers.

Despite these challenges, aviation analytics firm Cirium noted strong on-time performance at most major U.S. airports for October prior to the shutdown.