FAA Staffing Shortages Disrupt U.S. Air Travel

The U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its fifth week after beginning Oct. 1, has severely disrupted air travel due to FAA staffing shortages. The FAA warned it had “no certified controllers for a period of time,” nearly forcing Orlando International Airport to suspend landings before the order was reversed when staff were found. More than 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay, prompting increased sick calls, second jobs and mandatory overtime that officials and controllers say is worsening safety and operational strain. FlightAware reported nearly 6,000 delays and 1,100 cancellations on a recent day, affecting roughly 20% of flights at major carriers and producing average delays at Orlando of about 2–2.5 hours, with some flights delayed up to 10–12 hours, and notable impacts at Reagan National and Dallas/Fort Worth. Transportation officials say controller absences have driven a much larger share of delays than normal and warned of the potential for severe holiday travel disruptions if the funding impasse continues. The disruptions stem from a congressional funding standoff over health-care and budget provisions that has left many federal workers either furloughed or working without pay.