Shutdown Stresses Air Traffic Control: Delays Spike as Controllers Work Unpaid Overtime

The U.S. government shutdown is intensifying pressure on the nation's air traffic control system, leading to widespread flight delays and heightened concerns over staff well-being. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the crisis, stating that air traffic controllers are "stressed out" due to unpaid work and staffing shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported over 10,000 delayed flights on October 6-7, with disruptions dropping to 3,200 by October 8, though delays persisted at key hubs like Burbank, Nashville, and Newark. The FAA cited "slight upticks" in sick calls among controllers, exacerbating existing staffing gaps that have long plagued the sector. Nearly 11,000 certified controllers remain on duty, often working 10-hour shifts six days a week, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

The shutdown has forced the FAA to implement flow control measures at multiple airports to prevent overloading understaffed towers. For instance, Burbank's control tower was unstaffed for five hours on October 6, prompting pilots to self-coordinate landings via a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). This ad hoc system, typically used at smaller airports, added over two hours of delays for flights. Similar issues emerged in Nashville, where a closure of the approach facility led to two-hour delays. At Newark Liberty International Airport, ground delays averaged 53 minutes on October 6, as staffing shortages triggered flow restrictions. The FAA emphasized that such measures prioritize safety but underscore the fragility of the system.

Duffy criticized the political stalemate, urging Congress to restore funding to avoid further strain. He noted that controllers are grappling with financial uncertainty, questioning how they will pay mortgages or cover daily expenses without paychecks. The next scheduled payday, October 14, looms as a critical test, with controllers potentially facing their first unpaid period. NATCA warned that prolonged disruptions could worsen delays and safety risks, as staffing shortages and outdated equipment compound stress on the workforce. Delta CEO Ed Bastian previously criticized the FAA's reliance on 1960s-era radar systems, arguing modernization is essential to address inefficiencies that contribute to delays.

The Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes flights to rural airports, faces imminent funding lapses, potentially stranding communities reliant on these routes. The program supports over 17,000 jobs and daily flights to remote areas, with Alaska identified as the most vulnerable region. Without funding, airlines may be unable to sustain service to these locations, compounding the shutdown's economic and logistical impacts. Meanwhile, cybersecurity and weather monitoring functions, which rely on furloughed staff, are also at risk of gaps, raising broader safety concerns.

Historical precedents suggest the situation could escalate. During the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019, a surge in controller sickouts triggered nationwide delays, ultimately pressuring lawmakers to resume funding. Current trends mirror that pattern, with controllers increasingly absent due to stress and financial strain. Experts warn that as the shutdown extends, delays and cancellations are likely to grow, particularly if staffing shortages worsen. The FAA has accelerated hiring efforts but cautioned that resolving existing shortages will take time.

Travelers are advised to monitor real-time updates, as delays remain unpredictable. While the TSA has maintained screening operations, longer security lines are anticipated if absences persist. The aviation industry is bracing for further challenges, with airlines adjusting operations to mitigate congestion at affected hubs. As of October 8, the Senate had yet to pass a funding proposal, leaving the system in a precarious state.

Source: [1] Air Traffic Control Shortages Add to U.S. Flight Delays (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/air-traffic-controllers-flight-delays-government-shutdown.html?msockid=1489125a02976b161fbb04da03ff6a76) [2] Flight Delays Grow as Government Shutdown Continues (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/09/government-shutdown-flight-safety/86587674007/) [3] Government Shutdown Disrupts Flights, Air Traffic Control (https://www.npr.org/2025/10/07/nx-s1-5564638/flight-delays-government-shutdown-air-traffic-control) [4] Delays Spread to Major Airports Across the Country, as the ... (https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/07/us/shutdown-impacts-travelers) [5] Major Airports Struggle with Flight Delays and Staff ... (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/flight-delays-air-traffic-controller-shortages-government-shutdown-b2841374.html) [6] Government Shutdown Causes Widespread Flight ... (https://aviationsourcenews.com/government-shutdown-causes-widespread-flight-delays-at-us-airports/) [7] Delta CEO Says Air Traffic Control Systems Are So ... (https://fortune.com/2025/10/07/delta-ceo-air-traffic-control-systems-outdated-commercial-flight-routes-faster-in-1950s/) [8] Air Traffic Control Shortages Add to U.S. Flight Delays (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/air-traffic-controllers-flight-delays-government-shutdown.html?msockid=360f57bb5d3561c8331b413b5c5760ed)