U.S. travelers are facing widespread flight delays and cancellations for a second straight day, as the ongoing government shutdown intensifies a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Worsening Delays Across Key U.S. Airports
By Tuesday evening, delays had spread across multiple major airports — including Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, and Newark.
On Monday, staffing shortages led to Hollywood Burbank Airport’s air traffic control tower being unmanned for nearly six hours, forcing the facility to be managed remotely.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that some air traffic controllers are calling in sick as the shutdown — now entering its seventh day — continues to add financial and emotional stress on essential workers.
“At times, staffing has dropped to 50% in some areas,” Duffy said, adding that safety remains the FAA’s top priority.
Despite being classified as essential personnel, air traffic controllers are required to work without pay during a federal shutdown.
Thousands of Flights Delayed
According to FlightAware, more than 3,200 U.S. flights were delayed as of Tuesday afternoon.
On Monday, airports including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, and Burbank experienced 40- to 60-minute delays due to staff shortages.
By Tuesday evening, the FAA had issued a Ground Delay Program for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, with Nashville and Dallas also reporting operational slowdowns.
Nashville International Airport announced that all inbound and outbound flights would be “reduced” due to the controller shortage — a measure expected to remain in place “until further notice.”
Union Officials Warn of Burnout
Drew MacQueen, an official with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), said many controllers are overworked and under extreme stress.
“Air traffic controllers didn’t start the shutdown, and they’re not going to end it — that’s up to the politicians,” MacQueen told NewsNation.
“They’re already working six days a week, 10 hours a day. Now they’re worried about when they’ll get paid.”
The NATCA, representing more than 20,000 controllers, engineers, and aviation safety professionals, warned members that failing to report to work could lead to termination.
“Participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service,” the union stated on its website. “It is not only illegal, but it also undermines NATCA’s credibility.”
FAA and DOT Emphasize Safety
At a press conference, Transportation Secretary Duffy acknowledged a “slight increase” in sick calls among controllers.
“You’ll see delays come from that,” he said. “Safety is the priority, even if it means some cancellations.”
He added that regulators will slow down the number of planes in the air to maintain safety amid the shortage.
“If we don’t have enough controllers, we’ll make sure the airspace is safe. We’ll slow traffic if we must,” Duffy said.
He also expressed concern for the financial strain on aviation workers:
“As they’re controlling our airspace, they’re thinking, ‘How am I going to pay my mortgage?’”
Shutdown’s Political Deadlock
The government shutdown began on October 1, after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to reach a budget agreement.
Roughly 40% of the federal workforce — about 750,000 employees — have been placed on unpaid leave, while essential workers like controllers continue to work without pay.
So far, there’s no clear path forward in Congress, as both parties remain locked in a stalemate over federal spending priorities.
Historical Parallels: 2019 Shutdown
The current situation echoes the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days — the longest in U.S. history.
That year, air traffic controller absences led to temporary shutdowns at major airports, including New York’s LaGuardia, ultimately prompting lawmakers to strike a deal.
On January 25, 2019, then-President Donald Trump signed a short-term spending bill, ending the impasse after severe disruptions to the aviation sector.
Outlook
As the 2025 shutdown stretches into its second week, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to resolve the crisis before flight operations deteriorate further.
For now, the FAA continues to prioritize safety, but as staffing levels drop and fatigue sets in, passengers should expect longer delays, potential schedule adjustments, and last-minute cancellations — especially at major hubs like Chicago, Dallas, and Newark.
✈️ Travel tip: Always check flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for possible delays.
