FAA Limits Traffic as Controller Shortages and ESS Funding Threaten Flights During Shutdown
The FAA has imposed operational caps to limit the number of planes and keep the system safe as controller staffing shortfalls during the shutdown — with about a dozen facilities affected and nearly 6,000 flights delayed nationwide — have driven substantial ground delays at hubs including Newark (~53 minutes), Denver (~39 minutes) and Hollywood‑Burbank (~2.5 hours, with the Burbank tower reportedly without controllers for over five hours). Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned he would reduce traffic rates if shortages persist, noted an uptick in controllers calling in sick while nearly 11,000 certified controllers are required to work without pay, and officials say the shutdown could also exhaust Essential Air Service funds as soon as this weekend, threatening service to roughly 170 communities.
Transportation
Government
Economy
Public Safety
📌 Key Facts
- The FAA has imposed operational caps limiting the number of planes it will handle to keep the system safe as controller shortages threaten operations.
- Thousands of flights were delayed nationwide — CBS reported nearly 6,000 delays — with major U.S. airports affected, including Los Angeles‑area airports, Newark (EWR) and Denver.
- Average ground delays were substantial at several airports: Newark about 53 minutes, Denver about 39 minutes, Hollywood Burbank about 2.5 hours; California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Burbank tower had no controllers for more than five hours.
- An FAA advisory said roughly a dozen FAA facilities experienced staffing shortages on Oct. 6–7; the agency listed affected airspace/airports including Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported a recent uptick in air‑traffic controllers calling in sick six days into the shutdown, said controllers are worried about working without pay, and warned at a Newark press conference he would 'reduce the rate' if shortages threaten safety; the situation has prompted public political blame between officials (e.g., Gov. Gavin Newsom and federal leaders).
- Nearly 11,000 certified air‑traffic controllers are required to work during the shutdown and will not be paid until appropriations resume, and the administration warned Essential Air Service funds could run out as soon as the weekend, threatening service to roughly 170 communities.
📰 Sources (5)
How flights are impacted by the government shutdown. And, James Comey's arraignment
New information:
- FAA has limited the number of planes it can handle to keep the system safe (operational cap).
- The Trump administration warned Essential Air Service funds could run out as soon as this weekend, endangering service to roughly 170 communities.
- Nearly 11,000 certified air-traffic controllers are required to work during the shutdown and will not be paid until appropriations resume.
The government shutdown is snarling air travel. Officials say it could get worse
New information:
- FAA advisory said a dozen FAA facilities experienced staffing shortages Monday (Oct. 6/7).
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy spoke at a Newark press conference, warning he would 'reduce the rate' if controller shortages threaten safety and noting controllers are worried about working without pay.
- Specific average delay figures reported: Newark average ground delays ~53 minutes; Denver ~39 minutes; Hollywood Burbank average ground delays ~2.5 hours, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Burbank tower had no controllers for over five hours.
- FAA listed affected airspace/airports including Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.
Government shutdown hits airports as air traffic controller shortages cause major delays
New information:
- Quantifies the disruption: 'Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed nationwide.'
- On‑the‑ground visual reporting from Phoenix by CBS correspondent Kris Van Cleave describing how the shutdown is grounding flights and straining unpaid controllers.
Staffing issues see U.S. flights delayed as shutdown persists
New information:
- Flights were delayed Monday night at major U.S. airports including Los Angeles‑area airports, Newark (EWR) and Denver due to staffing issues.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported a recent uptick in air‑traffic controllers calling in sick six days into the shutdown.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly criticized President Trump in response to the delays; Duffy directly blamed Democrats as part of the political debate.