Government Shutdown Causes Widespread Flight Delays Amid Staffing Crisis

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Tuesday that significant flight delays are impacting Houston and Newark airports due to air traffic control staffing shortages exacerbated by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Ground stops were issued at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports due to absent controllers.

Despite earlier communication issues that prompted stops at Houston Bush, staffing shortages continued to delay more than 163 flights, accounting for about 12% of the total by 7 p.m. ET. Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey also faced disruptions, with 171 flights delayed, roughly 15% of its operations.

National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy expressed concern over the shutdown's impact on 13,000 unpaid air traffic controllers. The FAA reports they are around 3,500 staff short of target levels. With both parties blaming each other, and unions alongside airlines demanding a swift resolution, the standoff remains a major point of contention.