Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday as the federal government shutdown stretched into a seventh day. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners warned the situation is likely to worsen.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing issues at airports in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, leading to slowed takeoffs for flights headed to these cities.
On Monday, disruptions were also linked to insufficient staffing during the shutdown that began on October 1, affecting several airports including Burbank, California; Newark, New Jersey; and Denver.
Despite the traffic snags, about 92% of the more than 23,600 flights departing from U.S. airports as of Tuesday afternoon took off on time, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. However, officials express concerns that ongoing staffing deficiencies could impact holiday travel plans as critical federal workers struggle to make ends meet without pay.
Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt emphasized that the longer the shutdown continues, the higher the risk of affecting holiday travel plans in November, stating, I’m gravely concerned that if the government remains shut down, it could disrupt, and possibly ruin, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays.\
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported an uptick in air traffic controllers calling out sick, which adds strain on remaining staff. Without enough controllers, the FAA must reduce the number of takeoffs and landings to maintain safety, further contributing to delays.
The shutdown has not only affected air travel but has raised concerns among TSA employees as well, with reports of increasing financial pressure as the federal workers remain unpaid. Ultimately, unions are urging for the shutdown to end swiftly to restore normal operations within the aviation sector.
