Flight disruptions across the U.S. intensified on Tuesday evening as multiple major airports reported severe delays directly tied to air traffic controller staffing shortages, which were exacerbated by the ongoing federal funding lapse.
At Nashville International Airport, average arrival delays reached 126 minutes by 5:30 p.m. ET, with the cause attributed to controller “staffing” constraints. Simultaneously, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Newark, and Teterboro airports all cited similar staffing pressures, either actively impacting operations or expected to do so imminently.
This pattern marks a continuation of Monday’s isolated delays—most notably near Los Angeles at Hollywood Burbank Airport—though Tuesday’s disruptions are broader and earlier in the evening, raising concerns of mounting congestion if the crisis deepens.
Shutdown Fallout Drives Sick Calls, Rippling Delays
The lapse in congressional appropriations has left air traffic controllers working without pay, a strain that is now visibly affecting the aviation network. According to Department of Transportation communications, the agency has observed a rise in controller “call‐outs” citing illness, though it has not formally tied that uptick to the delays.
Historical precedent underscores the risk: during the 35-day 2019 shutdown, widespread controller absences contributed to cascading flight delays and ultimately intensified political pressure to resolve the funding standoff.
In the event of understaffing at critical traffic control facilities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) often slows airspace throughput to maintain safety margins. This automatic bottleneck amplifies delay across the system.
Payroll Timeline and Political Blame Game
Controllers are slated to receive a partial paycheck on Oct. 14, while the first full missed payday is scheduled for Oct. 28, per DOT. The creeping financial pressure is fueling public and political scrutiny.
On social media, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy targeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom, accusing Democrats of misprioritizing budget measures and thereby harming federal workers and air traffic reliability. Newsom’s office retorted dismissively, calling Duffy’s rhetoric “whining.”
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) labeled the claims that Democrats are to blame for delays as “laughable,” urging Secretary Duffy to pressure OMB leadership instead of staging “performative” attacks on federal workers.
As the shutdown endures, the cumulative impact of delayed flights may compel congressional resolution—especially if disruptions ripple into mid-day peak travel periods and impose broader economic costs.
What’s Next & What Travelers Should Do
- Watch for alerts: Airlines and TSA are cautioning passengers to monitor app or text updates, primarily through late October.
- Expect ripple delays: Even slight staff shortfalls at key nodes (e.g., major hubs or reliever airports) may cascade into system-wide disruptions.
- Plan buffer times: Travelers should allow extra hours between connections or avoid overly tight schedules for the foreseeable stretch.
- Check refund and rebooking policies: Airlines may adjust their policies more aggressively in response to delay waves; be aware of your rights in case of major disruptions.
If the shutdown endures or expands, the aviation network may find itself stretched beyond its manageable limits—an untenable position for both operators and the traveling public alike.
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-- By James W. Thomas and Michael R. Thomas
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