FAA Limits Traffic as Controller Shortages and ESS Funding Threaten Flights During Shutdown
The FAA has imposed operational limits to keep the system safe as air‑traffic controller shortages and a surge in sick calls during the government shutdown have snarled travel, delaying nearly 6,000 flights nationwide and producing average ground delays of about 53 minutes at Newark, 39 minutes at Denver and roughly 2.5 hours at Hollywood Burbank (where a tower was reportedly unmanned for hours). Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned he could reduce traffic rates for safety and that controllers who improperly call out could face discipline, while officials cautioned Essential Air Service funding could run out as soon as the weekend—threatening service to roughly 170 communities—and political leaders have publicly traded blame over the disruptions.
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📌 Key Facts
- The FAA has imposed operational caps—limiting the number of planes it can handle—to keep the system safe and reported staffing shortages at about a dozen FAA facilities; affected airspace/airports include Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., and several major hubs in the Los Angeles area, Newark (EWR) and Denver.
- Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed nationwide as the shutdown persisted, with average ground delays around Newark (~53 minutes), Denver (~39 minutes) and Hollywood Burbank (~2.5 hours); California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Burbank tower went without controllers for more than five hours.
- Almost 11,000 certified air‑traffic controllers are required to work during the shutdown without pay; sick calls and no‑shows have increased (an uptick noted around day 6 and again by day 10), and DOT says attendance remains over 90% even as more than half of delays are attributed to controller no‑shows.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned he could further reduce traffic if controller shortages threaten safety, announced at a Newark press conference, and threatened termination for controllers he says are abusing sick‑leave rules or ducking unpaid work.
- The controllers’ union (NATCA) publicly warned against any coordinated disruption, while political leaders have traded blame—Duffy faulted Democrats and Gov. Newsom publicly criticized President Trump—adding to the partisan debate over the shutdown’s effects on aviation.
- Officials warned Essential Air Service (ESS) funds could be exhausted as soon as this weekend, which would endanger air service to roughly 170 smaller communities.
- On‑the‑ground reporting (e.g., Phoenix) described flights being grounded and unpaid controllers under strain, and officials are working to prevent major delays ahead of a busy travel weekend.
📰 Sources (7)
Air traffic controllers who duck unpaid work during the gov't shutdown could be fired, Duffy warns
New information:
- New cabinet-level warning that controllers calling out during unpaid work periods could face termination.
- DOT attributes more than half of delays to controller no-shows despite >90% attendance.
- NATCA public statements explicitly warning against any coordinated disruption.
Nationwide flight delays loom as air traffic controllers call out sick
New information:
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic controllers abusing FAA sick-leave rules could face termination.
- ATC facilities are experiencing an increase in sick calls as the shutdown reaches day 10.
- Officials are working to prevent major delays over the upcoming busy travel weekend.
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.