U.S. Flight Delays Worsen as Air Traffic Control Staffing Crisis Deepens Amid Government Shutdown

Flight disruptions across the United States are worsening as the government shutdown enters its seventh day, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting widespread staffing shortages. Over 3,000 flights were delayed on Tuesday, affecting major airports including Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, and Atlanta.

According to the FAA, reduced staffing has forced air traffic controllers to slow operations, cutting the number of arriving flights per hour in several key hubs. Chicago O’Hare saw average delays of 41 minutes, while Newark flights were held for up to 30 minutes. Nashville’s control tower plans to curtail operations later today, transferring approach control to Memphis Center. The Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center is also dealing with severe staffing issues.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic control staffing has been reduced by up to 50% in some regions since the shutdown began, largely due to an uptick in sick leave among unpaid controllers. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, receiving only partial checks for pre-shutdown work.

Flight tracking site FlightAware reported over 3,000 delays on Tuesday, including 570 at Chicago O’Hare and 225 at Nashville. Southwest Airlines delayed more than 500 flights, while American Airlines postponed over 400. Severe weather has further exacerbated the chaos.

Political leaders continue to trade blame over the crisis. The White House accused Democrats of causing the aviation slowdown, while California Governor Gavin Newsom said former President Donald Trump’s administration is responsible. The FAA, already 3,500 controllers below optimal staffing levels, has faced shortages for more than a decade, leaving the system vulnerable during government shutdowns like the one currently paralyzing U.S. air travel.