U.S. Air Travel Disruption Worsens Amid Government Shutdown
The U.S. faces escalating air travel delays with almost 7,000 flights disrupted due to air traffic controller shortages amid the government shutdown, now in its 27th day. The federal shutdown forces approximately 63,000 airline security personnel to work without pay, sparking public frustration and putting pressure on lawmakers.
U.S. air travel faced another major setback as nearly 7,000 flights encountered delays nationwide on Monday. The disruptions were chiefly due to a surge in air traffic controller absences, coinciding with the federal government shutdown, now stretching into its 27th day. The Federal Aviation Administration has attributed the chaos to staffing shortages and has implemented ground delay programs affecting several major airports, including those in New Jersey, Texas, and Dallas Fort Worth.
With about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay due to the budget impasse between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats, flight disruptions are set to increase, according to warnings from the Trump administration. The situation intensified as controllers missed their first full paycheck on Tuesday.
The public's frustration is mounting as flight delays continue unabated. On Sunday alone, more than 8,800 flights were delayed, affecting major airlines like Southwest, American, United, and Delta. As the difficulties escalate, lawmakers face increasing pressure to resolve the government shutdown and its ramifications on the nation's air travel system.
Google News