Government Shutdown Leads to Flight Delays Across Major U.S. Airports

Impact of Government Shutdown on Air Travel Intensifies The ongoing government shutdown is beginning to affect air travel as the aviation industry grapples with staffing shortages, particularly among air traffic controllers. While airlines report only minor disruptions at this point, the potential for greater complications looms large. At Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport, over 100 flights were delayed by Tuesday afternoon, according to data from FlightAware. Serving as a major hub for American Airlines and a significant base for Southwest Airlines, the facility faced five flight cancellations along with numerous delays. Airport spokesperson Greg Roybal assured that there are not expected to be substantial operational disruptions in the near term. As of now, 13,294 air traffic controllers are employed without pay during this shutdown period, as noted by the Department of Transportation. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy pointed to a slight rise in sick leave being taken by employees, contributing to anticipated delays. “You’ll see delays that come from that,” he stated during a visit to Newark Liberty International Airport, which, along with Denver International, has reported ground delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory indicating that Phoenix is among four airports that could face staffing limitations, alongside eight regional centers where operational safety concerns are affecting routine air traffic activities. On Monday, the air traffic control tower at California’s Hollywood Burbank Airport was closed for nearly six hours due to staffing concerns. Additionally, traveler Ryan Relken, arriving in Arizona from Detroit, noted that while his landing was on time, ongoing issues from the shutdown may soon emerge. “I don’t think the ripple effects have been felt yet, especially when it starts to hit people’s paychecks,” Relken remarked. “Hopefully, the government gets this figured out quickly, because those people deserve to be paid, too.” Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, acknowledged the current challenges facing air travel, warning that the impacts could become more pronounced over time. “When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nation’s aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain,” they stated. During the shutdown, the FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees, but air traffic controllers are required to continue their operations without compensation. Essential personnel such as TSA officers and Customs and Border Protection agents will also remain on duty under the Department of Homeland Security. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, which represents approximately 20,000 aviation safety personnel, emphasized the necessity for essential workers to report to their posts despite the shutdown. The union cautioned that participation in any job action may lead to dismissal from federal service. In light of the air traffic management challenges, Southwest Airlines stated it is maintaining close communication with the FAA and will revise its scheduling as needed. The U.S. air traffic control system has historically faced staffing challenges, with regular overtime being a concern. A similar situation unfolded during the last government shutdown from late 2018 to early 2019, when just a handful of controllers at New York’s LaGuardia Airport were absent due to sickness, resulting in the delay of nearly 600 flights. With reporting from Laura Daniella Sepúlveda in Phoenix. For further updates and stories, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.