Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the U.S. on Sunday as air traffic controller absences continued to disrupt travel and a federal government shutdown reached its 26th day.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal
Aviation Administration experienced air traffic control staffing issues at 22
locations on Saturday, and added additional shortages were expected to lead to
more flight delays and cancellations in the days ahead.
More than 8,000 flights were delayed across the United
States on Sunday as staff shortages among air traffic controllers continued to
disrupt travel, while the federal government shutdown entered its 26th day,
officials said.
According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than
8,000 US flights were delayed by 11 pm ET on Sunday (0400 GMT Monday), up from
around 5,300 on Saturday. Delays have remained above average since the
government shutdown began on October 1.
Southwest Airlines reported the highest impact, with 45 per
cent of its flights, nearly 2,000, delayed. American Airlines saw 1,200 delays,
or roughly one-third of its schedule, while United Airlines and Delta Air Lines
recorded 739 and 610 delayed flights respectively, FlightAware data showed.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) had faced air traffic control staffing shortages
at 22 locations on Saturday and warned of further disruptions. “That’s a sign
that the controllers are wearing thin,” Duffy told Fox News, adding
that the figure was among the highest seen since the shutdown began.
The FAA said it implemented ground delay programs on Sunday
at major hubs, including Chicago O’Hare, Washington Reagan National, and Newark
Liberty airports. A temporary ground stop was also issued earlier in the day at
Los Angeles International Airport, but was later lifted.
Around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are continuing to work
without pay during the shutdown. The Trump administration has warned that
flight disruptions are likely to worsen as controllers miss their first full
October paycheck on Tuesday.
Controllers received 90per cent of their regular pay two
weeks ago, but the upcoming payday would have been the first entirely without
compensation. “They’re taking second jobs, they’re out there looking,” Duffy
said according to Reuters, noting that some controllers are seeking
alternative income sources to cope.
The FAA is currently about 3,500 controllers short of its
target staffing level, and many employees have already been working mandatory
overtime and six-day weeks.
Observers say the growing travel chaos could increase
public pressure on lawmakers to end the budget impasse that has
paralysed parts of the federal government. Duffy and other Republicans have
criticised Democrats for refusing to support a “clean” temporary funding bill,
while Democrats have accused President Donald Trump and Republicans
of blocking talks over health care subsidies set to expire later this year.
0 Comments