Turbulence in the Skies: Air Traffic Challenges Amid Government Shutdown
The FAA faces staffing shortages due to a government shutdown, affecting airports like Newark and Denver, with 13,000 unpaid air traffic controllers on duty. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed 50% staffing cuts to the shutdown, causing nationwide flight delays. Airlines warn of reduced efficiency, echoing a 2019 shutdown scenario.
On Monday, staffing issues at several airports, including Newark and Denver, led to delays, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This development comes amidst a slight rise in air traffic controllers calling in sick since the government shutdown commenced. Despite not receiving pay, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers continue to work, with the former missing their first paycheck on October 14.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy remarked that air traffic staffing has faced a 50% reduction in certain areas since the shutdown started last week. The FAA noted the widespread impact on flights at various airports, including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank. Flight tracking service FlightAware reported over 4,000 flight delays in the U.S. on Monday.
President Donald Trump has prioritized transportation in the government shutdown standoff with Democrats, resulting in more than $28 billion cut from climate programs and transit infrastructure in Democratic-leaning states like New York and Illinois. Duffy and Air Traffic Controllers Association officials highlighted concerns about stress and job security among controllers, with the union cautioning workers against any illegal job actions during this period of turbulence in air traffic management.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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