Government Shutdown Causes Widespread US Flight Delays Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortages

The ongoing government shutdown in the United States has led to severe staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations across major airports. Nearly 80% of controllers were absent at New York-area facilities, with Newark Liberty International Airport among the hardest hit, experiencing delays exceeding three and a half hours and limiting arrivals to as few as 20 planes per hour. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could worsen if the shutdown continues, emphasizing that flight volumes may need to be reduced to maintain safety and stating that controllers should not be fired for missing work due to financial hardship. The crisis has extended beyond airport towers to high-altitude centers managing en route airspace, forcing rerouting of flights in various regions. As of early November, thousands of flights had been delayed or canceled, underscoring the cascading effects of the shutdown on air travel nationwide. FAA policies, including "staffing triggers," have been implemented to manage reduced controller availability, further impacting flight operations.