Flights delayed at major U.S. airports as controllers call in sick amid shutdown
Air-traffic controller shortages tied to the ongoing government shutdown have caused widespread delays Monday night at major U.S. airports — including Los Angeles‑area airports, Newark (EWR), Denver and Phoenix — with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reporting an uptick in controllers calling in sick six days into the shutdown. The disruptions have strained unpaid controllers and contributed to nearly 6,000 delayed flights nationwide, prompting political finger‑pointing: Duffy blamed Democrats while California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump.
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📌 Key Facts
- Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed nationwide amid the disruption.
- Flights were delayed Monday night at multiple major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles‑area airports, Newark (EWR), Denver and Phoenix.
- Officials attribute the delays to staffing issues in air traffic control, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reporting a recent uptick in controllers calling in sick six days into the shutdown.
- On‑the‑ground reporting from Phoenix described the shutdown grounding flights and straining controllers who are working unpaid.
- The staffing shortages and delays have fed a political backlash: California Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly criticized President Trump, while Duffy directly blamed Democrats.
- The ongoing shutdown is producing operational strain at airports as reduced or unpaid air‑traffic staffing coincides with increased absences, worsening delays.
📰 Sources (3)
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.