Flights delayed at major U.S. airports as controllers call in sick amid shutdown
Air traffic controller shortages tied to the ongoing government shutdown caused widespread disruption Monday, with nearly 6,000 flights delayed nationwide and staffing shortfalls at about a dozen FAA facilities serving Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Newark and several Los Angeles‑area airports — Hollywood Burbank averaged roughly 2.5‑hour ground delays and reportedly had no controllers for more than five hours. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there has been an uptick in controllers calling in sick and warned he would “reduce the rate” if safety is threatened, noting Newark averaged about 53‑minute ground delays and Denver about 39 minutes, while political leaders traded blame over the disruption.
📌 Key Facts
- Flights were delayed Monday night at major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles‑area airports, Newark (EWR) and Denver, because of air‑traffic staffing issues.
- Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed nationwide.
- The FAA said about a dozen FAA facilities experienced staffing shortages on Monday (Oct. 6/7) and listed affected airspace/airports including Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.
- Reported average ground delays: Newark ~53 minutes; Denver ~39 minutes; Hollywood Burbank ~2.5 hours — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Burbank tower had no controllers for more than five hours.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported a recent uptick in controllers calling in sick six days into the shutdown and, speaking at a Newark press conference, warned he would "reduce the rate" if controller shortages threatened safety.
- Officials and on‑the‑ground reporting described flights being grounded and unpaid controllers being strained and worried about working without pay.
- The disruptions and staffing problems have become part of a political dispute: Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly criticized President Trump, while Secretary Duffy blamed Democrats.
📰 Sources (4)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.