Over 8,000 Flights Delayed in U.S. This Sunday Due to Air Traffic Controller Absences
More than 8,000 flights were delayed in the United States this Sunday, amid a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers and the prolonged impact of the partial federal government shutdown, now in its 26th day.
Critical Staffing Shortage at 22 Air Traffic Control Facilities
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced staffing problems at 22 air traffic control centers on Saturday and warned that the situation would continue to affect operations in the coming days, with more delays and cancellations expected.
According to data from the specialized site FlightAware, by 11 p.m. ET on Sunday, more than 8,000 delays had been recorded, up from 5,300 on Saturday. Delays have remained above average since the government shutdown began on October 1.
Most Affected Airlines
Major U.S. airlines suffered considerable impact:
- Southwest Airlines: 45% of its flights delayed, equivalent to 2,000 operations.
- American Airlines: Nearly 1,200 flights affected, about one-third of its schedule.
- United Airlines: 24% of its flights, or 739 operations, delayed.
- Delta Air Lines: 610 flights delayed, representing 17% of its total.
→ Alaska Airlines Resumes Operations After Technical Failure That Forced Flight Suspension
Unpaid Workers and Growing Political Pressure
Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue to work without pay during the shutdown. The Department of Transportation and industry analysts are closely monitoring the increase in aviation disruptions, as they could heighten pressure on lawmakers to resolve the budget impasse that caused the government shutdown.
Secretary Duffy explained that on Saturday there were 22 “triggers” or alerts due to staffing shortages, one of the highest figures since the shutdown began.
“It’s a sign that the controllers are at the breaking point,” Duffy stated on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures program.
Impact at Key Airports
The FAA issued ground delay programs on Sunday at Chicago O’Hare, Washington Reagan National, and Newark Liberty airports due to staff shortages. A temporary ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was later lifted.
First Missed Paycheck and Search for Alternative Income
The Trump administration warned that delays could increase when controllers fail to receive their first full October paycheck. Their last payment, two weeks ago, represented only 90% of their usual salary.
Duffy noted that many professionals are seeking additional jobs to compensate for the lack of income.
“They are taking second jobs, they are looking for alternatives,” he said.
A Structural Problem Worsened by the Shutdown
Even before this crisis began, the FAA already faced a shortage of 3,500 controllers compared to its ideal staffing levels. Many were working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks, a burden that has now intensified.
During the 35-day shutdown in 2019, increasing absences among controllers and TSA agents led to long security wait times and reductions in air traffic flow over New York and Washington. Authorities fear a similar scenario if the current situation persists.
Unresolved Political Dispute
Meanwhile, the political division remains an obstacle. Duffy and other Republican representatives accuse Democrats of blocking a “clean” temporary funding bill without additional conditions. For their part, Democrats blame President Donald Trump and his party for refusing to negotiate on expiring health care subsidies at the end of the year.
With information from Reuters
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