In brief
Flight delays are ongoing at U.S. airports, particularly Newark, as air traffic controller shortages linked to the prolonged government shutdown impact travel plans. The U.S. Transportation Secretary has signaled that more disruptions could be expected if the situation continues. Travelers are urged to check flight status and prepare for delays or cancellations.
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 stated that Newark delays often ripple to other regional airports.
Travelers heading to, from, or through New York are advised to anticipate schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections. The social media post emphasized the importance of checking flight statuses prior to heading to the airport, warning of longer waits.
Airports such as George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, Dallas Fort Worth International, and Chicago O’Hare were also reporting numerous delays and a few cancellations, along with other major airports in locations like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami, as per FlightAware data.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, travelers can expect increasing flight disruptions should controllers remain unpaid.
We work overtime to ensure a safe system. Therefore, delays and cancellations may happen to maintain safety, Duffy stated during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on Sunday.
Duffy mentioned that he does not intend to terminate air traffic controllers who fail to report to work, understanding their need to provide for their families. They need support, they need money, they need a paycheck. They don’t need to be fired,” he elaborated.
Prior to the shutdown, the FAA faced a documented shortage of about 3,000 controllers. As of Friday, nearly 13,000 controllers have been working without pay.
Despite the issues, flight data revealed strong on-time performance at many major U.S. airports in October, amidst isolated staffing challenges throughout the month.
