The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed growing air traffic control staffing shortages as the US government shutdown continues into its eighth day, causing widespread flight delays across major airports.
According to the FAA’s latest operations plan, six major air traffic control facilities including those near Washington, DC, Denver, Newark, and Orlando—are operating below normal staffing levels. The shortages are expected to continue through Wednesday night, with delays likely at several key airports.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, delays of up to 31 minutes are “probable” between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time, the FAA said. Denver’s control tower is also short-staffed between 9 p.m. and midnight ET, while Newark Liberty International Airport is facing reduced staffing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with delays of up to 30 minutes.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that the ongoing shutdown has taken a toll on air traffic controllers. “I’m encouraging air traffic controllers to show up for work. They need to control the airspace,” Duffy told CNN’s Jake Tapper. He noted that staffing shortages, which caused only 5% of flight delays nine months ago, now account for 53%.
Facilities in Albuquerque and Los Angeles, which manage large sections of US airspace, are also facing similar issues. Duffy said the location and timing of shortages are inconsistent, underscoring the urgent need to reopen the government.
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported no delays linked to sick calls, the Department of Transportation confirmed an increase in air traffic controller absences since the shutdown began. Weather disruptions in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale are expected to compound the situation.
Duffy emphasized that safety remains the top priority: “When you see delays, it’s because we’re not willing to take additional risk if we don’t have the staff to fly your flight on time.”
