Air traffic controller shortages delay flights across U.S.

[Diverse Air Traffic Control Team Working in a Modern Airport Tower at Night. Office Room is Full of Desktop Computer Displays with Navigation Screens, Airplane Flight Radar Data for Controllers.]
gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images

Air traffic controller shortages have led to flight delays and cancellations at airports across the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration notified, as the federal government shutdown enters the eighth day.

"There have been increased staffing shortages across the system," the agency said. "When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations."

Over 10,000 flights in and out of U.S. airports faced delays from Monday till early Wednesday, according to FlightAware, while more than 100 flights were cancelled during that period.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and continue to work during the shutdown without pay. According to the Department of Transportation, 13,294 air traffic controllers are expected to work during the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday said there was a slight uptick in air traffic controllers calling in sick across the country, and noted up to 50% reductions in controller staffing in certain places.

U.S. air traffic control has been facing staffing shortages for years, so even a few sick calls are enough to disrupt flight operations.

"Absenteeism is a concern," Duffy said on Monday. "And if someone has to take sick leave, to drive Uber to make the difference, those are decisions they're going to make themselves. But of course, that's concerning for us."

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